Kenya Union of Journalist

25/06/2025

DEFEND MEDIA FREEDOM! 📺📻📰

We, the Kenya Media Sector Working Group, are deeply concerned by the Communications Authority of Kenya’s (CA) directive to suspend live coverage of the ongoing protests. This move violates Article 34 of our Constitution and a recent High Court ruling that protects media independence in Kenya.

The CA has NO mandate to regulate broadcast content—that power belongs to the Media Council of Kenya. If there are concerns about media conduct, the law provides clear mechanisms for redress. 🚫

⚠️ Why this matters:

The CA’s directive threatens responsible journalism and undermines the media’s duty to inform the public, especially during critical moments.

Any attempt to disrupt or suspend internet access is a direct attack on our constitutional rights to freedom of expression (Article 33), access to information (Article 35), and peaceful assembly (Article 37).

The internet is vital for free speech, information, and democracy—especially now! 🌐✊

We strongly condemn the shooting of NTV journalist Ruth Sarmwei with a rubber bullet while on duty. Violence against the press is unacceptable and must stop! 🛑🕊️

Our call to action

We urge all media houses to defy the CA directive and continue normal programming without fear. Kenya is governed by the rule of law—all agencies must respect the Constitution and court decisions. Switching off the media is NOT a solution. We will uphold professionalism and editorial independence for the good of our nation.

29/04/2025

The Kenya Union of Journalists praises BBC News Africa 's “Blood Parliament” for exposing police brutality in Kenya’s Finance Bill protests. Bold journalism matters—holding power accountable.

June 25, 2024, won’t be forgotten.

—Erick Oduor, KUJ Sec Gen www.kuj.or.ke

13/02/2025

Our Secretary General Eric Oduor led the union in commemorating this year’s organized by the Media Council of Kenya, Aga Khan University and The Kenya National Commission for UNESCO (KNATCOM) themed "Radio and Climate Change".

Key Points from Erick Oduor's Remarks at World Radio Day:

Importance of Regulation:
Emphasized the need for robust regulations to ensure ethical and responsible broadcasting practices.
Highlighted the issue of underpaid and exploited radio journalists.
Called for stricter enforcement of licensing conditions to ensure professionalism and ethical conduct among radio stations.

Need for Financial Sustainability:
Advocated for a comprehensive advertising policy that supports local radio stations, particularly those in rural areas.
Proposed affirmative action measures to ensure equitable distribution of advertising revenue among broadcasters.

Recognizing Radio Professionals:
Called for the recognition of veteran radio personalities and their contributions to society.
Suggested creating a "Heroes Corner" to honor and remember prominent radio broadcasters.
Emphasized the importance of preserving the legacy of these individuals for future generations.

17/01/2025

Journalists' Unions in Eastern Africa Unite!

In a landmark meeting in Kigali, Rwanda, journalists' unions from across the region have formed the Federation of Eastern Africa Journalists (FEAJ).

FEAJ will:

1- Advocate for journalists' rights and interests.
2- Improve working conditions for journalists.
3- Promote press freedom across Eastern Africa.

The newly elected leadership team includes:

President: Erick Oduor
Vice President: Patrick Oyet
Secretary-Treasurer: Solange Ayanone
Executive Committee Members: M***a Juma & Promise Twinamukye

This is a significant step towards a stronger and more united voice for journalists in the region.


People Daily, Association of Media Women in Kenya (AMWIK) Kenya Community Media Network Media Council of Kenya UNESCO Standard Digital Nairobi Leo Citizen TV Kenya

14/11/2024

The Kenya Union of Journalist (KUJ) in collaboration with the IFJ - International Federation of Journalists under the Union To Union (UTU) Project 2024 held a two-day workshop on 'Climate change and environmental reporting' on 11 and 12 November, in Nairobi, Kenya.

The workshop focused on:

-Effective storytelling techniques for climate journalism
-Debunking climate change misinformation
-The role of the media in driving climate action
-Media freedom and climate justice

By equipping journalists with the necessary skills and knowledge, this initiative aims to strengthen the media's role in addressing climate change and promoting sustainable development in Kenya.

The Kenya Union of Journalists (KUJ) in collaboration with the International Federation of Journalists (IFJ) under the Union To Union (UTU) Project 2024 held a two-day workshop on 'Climate change and environmental reporting' on 11 and 12 November, in Nairobi, Kenya.

24/07/2024

The Government of Kenya is currently battling widespread protests. Many questions are emerging about how the authorities are conducting themselves when respo...

24/07/2024

Kenyan Journalist and reporter for the privately owned MediaMax Limited, Catherine Kariuki Wanjeri, was shot three times in the thigh while covering anti-government demonstrations on 16 July, in Nakuru Town. The International Federation of Journalists (IFJ) joins its affiliate, the Kenya Union of Jo...

24/07/2024

Calling all media comrades 📽️🎤📺📻🎬🎥📡in Kenya .

Join our nationwide protests Wednesday demanding a free & safe press!

✊ Together, let us stand with journalists fighting for truth & accountability. Can you hear us? 📢

16/07/2024

The Kenya Union of Journalists strongly condemns the shooting of Catherine Kariuki, a Mediamax journalist, during protests in Nakuru. This targeted attack by a police officer is unacceptable!

Catherine is recovering in the hospital. We demand a swift investigation by IPOA and action against the officer & commander.

Tuko.co.ke, Nairobi Leo, Capital FM Kenya, People Daily, Nation, KBC Channel 1 TV, BBC News, CGTN Africa, Citizen TV Kenya, NTV Kenya, Kenyans.co.ke, K24 TV Mbaitu FM

09/07/2024

The Kenya Union of Journalists (KUJ) has warned listed media company Standard Group against intimidating some of its radio department staff who have been on strike over unpaid salaries dating back up to seven months.

The Kenya Union of Journalists (KUJ) has warned Standard Group on intimidating its radio department staff who have been on strike.

08/07/2024

Standard Group PLC radio staff have been on strike since July 4th, rightfully demanding their unpaid salaries for the past seven months. Instead of addressing these grievances, management has resorted to intimidation tactics. These are unacceptable actions from a company with such a long-standing reputation.

Below is our statement from the Secretary-General Mr Erick Oduor:

Stop intimidating staff, and pay them their salaries

It has been brought to our attention that the insensitive managers of Standard Group PLC, who have subjected their staff to untold suffering for more than a year now, have resorted to unorthodox means to get striking Radio staff back to work.

The staff at Standard Group PLC attached to the radio department took boycotted work on July 4, 2024, demanding payment of their seven-month salary arrears after attempts to strike a deal on a payment plan fell on deaf ears.

They have been on strike since then, but management of the company has made no efforts to address their grievances, but instead has been issuing threats. These are the last kicks of a dying horse, and the earlier, the company takes these concerns seriously the better. We are in solidarity with the staff who are on strike as we mobilise their colleagues in other departments to join them for maximum impact.

The strike by the radio department comes four days after the Kenya Union of Journalists (KUJ) issued a 14-day strike notice that the Ministry of Labour and Social Protection received on July 1, 2024, over accumulated salary arrears for seven months and failure to remit Sacco dues.

No intimidation will stop the staff from demanding what rightfully belongs to them and the restoration of order at the country’s oldest media house.

Upon the expiry of the strike notice period, KUJ will for sure inflict more injury if no action is taken,

Solidarity Forever.
Erick Oduor
Secretary-General
July 08, 2024

cc Digital, Tuko.co.ke Kenyans.co.ke Citizen TV Kenya , NTV Kenya, K24 TV

30/06/2024

The KUJ holds the Standard Group Board of Directors fully accountable for the suffering of its staff.

Allowing these injustices to continue at Kenya's oldest media house will not be tolerated.

Take action! Enough is Enough! www.kuj.or.ke