Kenya Union of Journalists Elects New Leadership Team at Nairobi AGM

The Kenya Union of Journalists (KUJ) has elected a new national leadership team to steer the union for the next five years following its Annual General Meeting (AGM) held on January 31, 2026, in Nairobi.

At the polls, Erick Oduor was re-elected as Secretary General, extending his tenure after winning the confidence of delegates for a second term. Oduor has been at the forefront of advocating for journalists’ labour rights, improved working conditions, and higher professional standards within the media industry.

Delegates also elected Ahmed Mohamed as the new Chairman, succeeding John Atambo. Mohamed pledged to prioritise unity within the union and strengthen engagement with media employers, regulators, and government institutions to safeguard press freedom.

Silas Kiragu was elected Vice-Chairman, taking over from Oscar Obonyo, while Vincent Owino of the Business Daily was elected Deputy Secretary General, succeeding Mary Daraja.

Other officials elected during the AGM include Toepister Nabusoba as Treasurer, Kwamboka Oyaro as Organising Secretary, and Rose Nganga as Assistant Treasurer.

Speaking after the elections, members of the newly elected team pledged to intensify efforts to protect journalists from harassment, arbitrary dismissal, and unsafe working conditions, while also defending media independence and freedom of expression.

The leadership said a key priority will be preparing journalists and media houses for the upcoming general elections, with a focus on safety, ethical reporting, and resistance to misinformation and political pressure.

“The media plays a central role in Kenya’s democracy, and it is our duty as a union to ensure journalists can work freely, safely, and with dignity,” one of the officials said during the AGM.

The elections come at a time when journalists continue to face economic pressures, shrinking newsroom budgets, and rising security risks, particularly during election periods and coverage of sensitive public interest stories.

Members said the new leadership represents a renewed commitment to safeguarding the profession and strengthening the union’s voice in national conversations on democracy, governance, and development.

The AGM concluded with a call for unity among journalists and stronger solidarity within the union as it charts the next phase of advocacy and reform in Kenya’s media sector.