Journalists in Kenya have appealed to the national government headed by President William Ruto to bail out media houses to stop rising retrenchments due to harsh economic times.

The scribes noted that recent restructuring processes by the legacy media and other outlets in Kenya have seen hundreds of journalists declared redundant and losing their livelihoods.


Speaking during the Scribes End of Year Party at the Frima Gardens, in Nairobi, Scribes Kenya President Roncliffe Odit called for urgent measures to stem the worrying layoffs.

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“We are calling upon the Kenya Kwanza government and other stakeholders to join hands and map out ways of continuously equipping journalists to help them be all-rounded in keeping with the changing times,” said Odit.


The event saw a host of journalists, communications specialists and PR practitioners reflect on the effects of digital disruption and global economic turmoil on the media sector.

Communication Consultant Imani Sudi advised journalists to embrace digital innovations that are taking over and transforming the way news is communicated to the audiences.


“The impact of digital disruption is real in the Newsrooms. It is now all about how to survive the catastrophe through trainings, and developing a special niche in news,” Sudi intimated.

Her remarks were echoed by Taifa Leo Editor Juma Namlola, who challenged journalists to be more in-depth in their daily reportage to offer value to their ever-changing audience.


“These days the audience gets breaking news faster through social media. It is up to journalists now to be more creative and offer something more than just breaking news,” Namlola urged.

On his part, Swala Nyeti Managing Director Mac Otani asked Kenyan journalists to take advantage of the global digital revolution to create a niche for themselves into the future.


“In the ongoing digital revolution each journalist can become a media house and build himself as a brand or even take it further and found his own digital media house taking advantage of the myriads of opportunities availed on the fast-changing digital space,” Otani said.

The event sponsored by Media Council of Kenya, Engineers Board of Kenya and Rural Electrification and Renewable Energy Corporation saw The Star Newspaper Sub-Editor Eliud Kibii rewarded as The Scribe of the Year 2022.