The Kenya Editors Guild (KEG) has announced its 9th Annual Editors' Convention, scheduled to take place in Mombasa towards the end of November. The event, themed "Navigating the Storm: Media Resilience on the Road to 2027", aims to bring together editors, media leaders, journalists, partners, and friends of journalism to reflect on the industry's progress and challenges. KEG President Zubeidah Kananu emphasized the importance of the convention as a platform for learning, reflection, and conversations about improving the industry.
The convention will feature a masterclass for reporters on the first day, focusing on their role in gathering stories, engaging sources, and verifying information. Kananu highlighted that the event is not only about editors but also about recognizing the crucial work of reporters on the front lines of journalism. The masterclass aims to equip reporters with the necessary skills to excel in their roles, particularly in the lead-up to the 2027 General Elections.
This year's convention is particularly significant as Kenya prepares for the General Elections in August 2027. Kananu stressed that the quality and credibility of election coverage will depend on the preparedness of journalists and editors. The theme "Navigating the Storm: Media Resilience on the Road to 2027" reflects the challenges that journalists will face, including misinformation, disinformation, and pressure from various quarters.
KEG Vice President and Chairman of the Convention Planning Committee, Francis Openda, revealed that the event has been held in various locations across Kenya, including Nairobi, Mombasa, Kisumu, and Nakuru. He emphasized the importance of taking the convention to different cities to interact with journalists and understand their working conditions. Openda also urged media houses to remain strong, independent, and fair in their coverage of the elections.
The Media Council of Kenya (MCK) has expressed its willingness to support the convention financially and technically. Assistant Director Christine Nguku stated that the MCK is committed to supporting the event and has already received a request from KEG. Nguku lauded KEG for successfully holding eight previous conventions and encouraged them to remain accountable, accurate, and independent in their reporting.
Kananu emphasized the importance of protecting editorial independence, embracing technology responsibly, and countering misinformation and disinformation. She stressed that journalists must be prepared to navigate the challenges of the 2027 elections while maintaining their commitment to truth and the public interest. The convention aims to equip journalists with the necessary skills and knowledge to excel in their roles.
The 9th Annual Editors' Convention promises to be a significant event, bringing together key stakeholders in the media industry to discuss the challenges and opportunities ahead of the 2027 General Elections. With the support of the Media Council of Kenya, the event is expected to provide a platform for meaningful conversations and learning.
Key points
- The convention will focus on media resilience and preparedness for the 2027 General Elections.
- The event aims to bring together editors, media leaders, journalists, and partners to reflect on the industry's progress and challenges.
- The Media Council of Kenya has pledged to support the convention financially and technically.
