Friday, 19 Jul 2013

Seven Kenyans among finalists in 2013 CNN Multichoice African Journalist of the Year Award

By Ben Murigi

Internews in Kenya is beaming with pride after the announcement of this year’s CNN Multichoice African Journalist of the Year Award finalists. This is because three out of the seven Kenyan finalists are Internews alumni. Even more remarkable is the fact that two of them are from community radio.

“I am humbled by the nomination,” says Pamoja FM’s Thomas Bwire. Internews trained me and helped me move from he said-she said stories.” Pamoja FM is based in Kibera slums.

Equally jubilant is Florence Dallu, a free lance journalist whose shortlisted story on survival sex was aired on Koch FM

“It feels good that my story has been shortlisted and that there are so many Kenyan journalists who have made it to the finals of the competition,” says Dallu.

A few years ago, community radios commanded little viewership but they are now popular among locals for giving voice to Kenyans living in rural and informal settlements across the country.

“I am very proud that community radio has been recognized in an International competition,” says Internews radio trainer Ann Mikia.

Roseline Wangui, an NTV journalist and Internews alumnus, is also a finalist.

Other nominees from Kenya include NTV’s Wambui Kurema,The Star’s Brenda Okoth as well as Judy Jeptum Kosgei and Mauritius Oduor from Citizen TV.  The winners of the competition will be announced at Gala in Cape Town, South Africa, on October 12.




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