By Mercy Njoroge
Two Kenyan journalists and a Nigerian journalist were awarded at the 2026 JHR co-sponsored Africa Media Awards, held during the Africa Media Festival organized by Baraza Media Lab on February 25-26 in Nairobi, Kenya.
The winning award went to Robert Amalemba, a Kenyan journalist with Afrique XXI, who won the top award for his story titled “Exposing a $2B Scam, Stranded in Exile: Kenya’s Whistleblower Trap“. One of the most critical exposés in recent Kenyan history, the article follows whistleblower Nelson Amenya, now living in exile, as it highlights the plight of those who speak truth to power. The story also interrogates the lack of legislation following a decade-long delay in the passing of the Whistleblowers Protection Bill. It has since been re-introduced for debate in Parliament by Kitui Woman Representative Irene Kasalu. When accepting the award, Robert said that the story was more than an investigation into financial misconduct: “It was an attempt to give voice to someone caught between power and vulnerability — and to remind us that accountability is not optional in any society that calls itself just.”
Robert thanked his sources and colleagues in the newsroom, including his editors. “This work was not done alone,” he said. “It was made possible by brave sources who chose truth over comfort, editors who insisted on rigor and fairness, and colleagues who stood firm in their commitment to ethical journalism.”
Nigeria’s Umar Faruk Shuaibu, a reporter with Daily Trust, won the 1st runners-up position for his investigative piece titled “Gujeni: A Kaduna Community Taken Over By A Poisonous Soot“. The story shone a light on the horrendous living conditions of a community where air pollution is destroying the lives of community members after an iron ore processing company illegally set up shop. The story traverses neighbouring villages, demonstrating how lives, including those of children, are being suffocated by its deadly fumes.
“This recognition has strengthened my resolve to tell more stories of underreported communities so the world knows how injustice is perpetrated on these communities due to their inability to tell their stories and sufferings to the world,” said Faruk.
The second runner-up position was awarded to Tracy Anne Bonareri, a reporter at Africa Uncensored, for her investigative reporting on the sexual exploitation of women gold miners in rural Kenya. Her story, titled “Sex for Gold,” reveals the power dynamics within the mines that have led to sexual abuse of women workers by the mines’ operators.
“Winning this award means a great deal to me, and I am grateful to the judges for recognizing our work. I hope this inspires other young journalists to believe in their ability to pursue investigative reporting. This recognition is also for the women who trusted us with their stories. None of this would have been possible without them,” said Tracy.
The winning stories were selected from a pool of 53 entries from across the African continent for their in-depth, contextual reporting on human rights abuses.
The Human Rights Journalism Awards, now in its second year, recognize stories that are dedicated to truth, transparency and the public good. These awards also draw attention to the hidden realities regarding the rights of various communities, promote accountability and facilitate important conversations within those communities.
The judging panel, which consists of experienced editors from across the continent, unanimously agreed that these awards serve as a timely incentive for journalists working in challenging and rapidly changing media environments, motivating them to continue their vital work.
The chair of the judging panel Ellen Wanjiru (Kenya) said, “I am encouraged by the increased number of entries from across Africa. Some journalists even sent multiple stories, which reflects both their level of confidence in their stories and also the depth of credibility of the awards, even at this early stage being barely a year old.”
“I wish to see more involvement from the editorial leadership because some of the stories were merely straight reportage with gaping editorial mistakes. The journalists need to pay more attention to the quality of the news stories they submit and realize that they are the first-level judges even before they get to the panel of judges,” she added.
Sbu Ngwala from South Africa added that being a judge of the Journalism Human Rights Awards, gave him a window into the lived realities and hardships that millions within our communities face daily.
“The judging process made me appreciate, more deeply than ever, the vital role of journalism in society – its power to give a voice to the marginalized. It served as an important reminder as to why I entered this profession…which is the relentless pursuit of justice and to always stand alongside David in the fight against Goliath”.
Other judges were Rachel Ombaka (Kenya), Emmanuel Dogbevi (Ghana) and Deodatus Balile (Tanzania).
During the awards, Baraza Media Lab presented Ziya Africa with the Creator for Good award in recognition of his work in civic engagement, ensuring that Kenyans are informed about their constitutional rights. The Africa Editors Forum (TAEF) awarded Professor Kwame Karikari of Ghana for the TAEL Lifetime Service to Journalism Award. The People’s Choice Award went to Election Watch.
JHR, in partnership with Baraza Media Lab (BML) and The Africa Editors Forum (TAEF), has curated the award to honor the courage, creativity and determination of Africa’s storytellers who refuse to be silenced in their reporting.
Speaking during the awards, JHR President Rachel Pulfer said, “We believe that journalism that centers and serves people is one of the most powerful tools for positive change. Journalism with a purpose. And we’ve seen how powerful journalism, supported by JHR, actually does make powerful changes for people— again and again and again.”
