By Mercy Njoroge (Media Trainer, JHR-Kenya) & Benard Ogoi (Project Coordinator, JHR-Kenya)
JHR-Kenya is proud to celebrate the achievements of eight of its trained journalists who received multiple awards at the recently concluded Community Media Awards 2025.
The awards, organized by the Association of Grassroots Journalists Kenya (AGJK), marked the culmination of a five-day conference held at the Pride Inn Resort & Spa on December 5 in Mombasa. The awards recognize outstanding work by journalists reporting from the grassroots, often under immense challenges, including rough terrain, bandit attacks, limited access to equipment and treacherous travel conditions to cover human interest stories in marginalized areas of Kenya.
Over the past five years, JHR-Kenya has trained and mentored journalists on ethical human rights and gender-sensitive reporting. In that spirit, JHR joins in celebrating its community media alumni recognized across various categories.
Jackiel Opiyo, a freelance journalist in the Western Lake Region, won the Gender Category for her story, “From the margins to the frontline: How a woman caucus is shaping grassroots leadership and climate action”.
“I have benefitted immensely from training and mentorship, which has contributed to my growth as a journalist,” said Opiyo. « This recognition reaffirms my commitment to continue working in my community to tell their stories and shine a spotlight on the marginalized. »
« I travelled more than 250 kilometres to cover this story. This award is not just for me, but for the children who strive to become future leaders despite the challenges they face in accessing education. » – Isaac Waihenya, Radio Jangwani
In the same category, JHR-trained journalist Jemimah Gambo of Lulu FM emerged as second runner-up for her story “Kidonge Uchungu” (loosely translated as “Painful Pill”).
Isaac Waihenya of Radio Jangwani, who has attended several JHR-organized trainings, also attributed his success to the skills gained through the program. His winning story in the Children’s Category, “Difficulties in access to a classroom in pastoralist communities,” highlighted the immense challenges children face in pursuing education in Marsabit County.
While receiving his award, Waihenya said, “I travelled more than 250 kilometres to cover this story. This award is not just for me, but for the children who strive to become future leaders despite the challenges they face in accessing education.”
In the same category, Hilda Ajema of Ghetto FM won first runner-up for her story “Hadithi ya ardhi, makazi na ustahimilivu katika Mukuru inayojijenga upya” (loosely translated as “A story of land, shelter, and resilience in a rebuilding community”).
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Other notable JHR-trained winners across different categories included Stella Alex, the overall winner in the Health category; Robert Ledira of Ruben FM; Evans Kibe, formerly of Mtaani FM; and Albert Mwanyasi of Sifa FM in Taita Taveta.
AGJK founder and chairperson Dennis Beru said the awards were a testament to grassroots journalists’ unwavering commitment to truth, integrity, and powerful storytelling in the public interest.
“Journalism is a vital public service that often demands tireless effort, countless late nights, and immense personal dedication. These recognitions are a testament to the resilience of journalists working in marginalized and often ‘forgotten’ regions of this country,” said Beru.
Despite the challenges, these journalists continue to demonstrate exemplary excellence in their work. JHR celebrates their achievements and remains committed to encouraging them to hold power to account and uphold the transformative power of the media.
This year, JHR supported the AGJK Conference and Gala Awards under the theme “Viability and Sustainability of Community Media in Kenya.” JHR Media Trainer Mercy Njoroge, who spoke on a panel discussing “Women’s Leadership in the Media,” highlighted barriers limiting women’s advancement in Kenya’s media industry. She noted that JHR has played a key role in addressing sexual harassment in the sector through Anti-Sexual Harassment Policy adoption drives, with 14 community media stations having signed on to date.
More accolades
In related news, four other JHR-Kenya alumni were honoured at NCD Alliance Kenya Media Awards 2025 in December. While accepting her 2nd Runners Up outstanding Non-Communicable Diseases Cover story award in the print category, Elizabeth Angira of the People Daily observed, “This recognition means a lot to me because it validates my passion for telling real, human stories that highlight the everyday struggles and resilience of people living with non-communicable diseases.”
On her part, Milly Sabwami (North-Rift Radio), recognized for her outstanding NCD Coverage in the radio category, said the award is a reminder of the journey ahead. “I remain committed to driving powerful conversations that transform NCD prevention and care, positively impacting lives across our communities,” she said.
Other JHR alumni who won various NCD media coverage awards are Robi Chacha and Angela Kezengwa who were crowned the winner and the 1st Runner-Up respectively in the Lived Experience feature (Patient-Focused Storytelling) category.