By Harrison Kivisu
Mombasa press club (MPC) ambitious plan to provide a support system for all Media council of Kenya(MCK) accredited journalists is no doubt bearing fruits ten Months after its inception.
One of the Mombasa Press Club’s missions is to provide a support system for journalists by fostering professional growth, collaboration, and skill development.
The club’s strides were shared to members during its end of the year member’s party.
The members celebrated in style, and despite attendees being served with sumptuous meals that was preceded by an opportunity by members to take stock of the organisation’s progress. One of the key discussions was how journalists could explore investment avenues, and foster a culture of collaboration.
The party attended by who is who in the media fraternity saw members relinquish their stress and acclimatise to the well decorated sitting setup that was characterised by the club logo-colours which signify a future full of opportunities.
Taking to the stage the MPC chairman Omar Abdalla Shungu, buoyed by his courageous leadership style proved wrong critics by sharing the milestones and ambitious plans the clubs had manifested all solely made to benefit members.
Shungu drew attention to the hurdles faced by traditional media outlets and advocated for a proactive approach towards digital transformation envisioning a future where journalists leverage digital platforms to diversify revenue streams and cater to the burgeoning demand for online content, both locally and internationally.
Asked what inspires his leadership, Shungu quotes Nelson Mandela’s personal notebook, January 16, 2000 which says” A real leader uses every issue, no matter how serious and sensitive, to ensure that at the end of the debate we should emerge stronger and more united than ever before.”
“I will not get tired despite the fights from some of the people we lead-in always tell journalists they need to think about life outside the newsroom and utilise their talents outside the newsroom too. As a club we are currently pursuing avenues of ensuring we train our members on monetising their content and how they can earn from the Internet and we already have several partners to help us achieve this,” Shungu says.
In a bid to bolster journalist support further, the media Council of Kenya (MCK) , the main patron of the journalists Press cubs countrywide, has launched a dedicated website where journalists can showcase their work at no cost, amplifying their visibility and prospects.
Shungu alias Ommy Dallah reiterated the organization’s unwavering commitment to upholding journalistic ethics while nurturing the professional growth of its members. Among the journalists benefits will be back to back capacity media trainings.
Shungu says the Press Club pledges to provide training in essential digital skills, explore investment avenues, and foster a culture of collaboration and idea exchange among its members.
“The Club envisions itself as a nurturing community that not only enriches the media landscape in Mombasa but also serves as a catalyst for positive change beyond its borders and our club aims to bring all the Mombasa Journalists together,” Said Omar.
Shungu,who has established a support system team members said the journey towards media sustainability and innovation requires collective effort and unwavering dedication adding that Mombasa Press Club stands ready to lead this transformative journey, inviting all journalists in the county to join hands in shaping the future of media.
Key notable speakers including Veteran journalist Karim Rajan and award winning journalist Ruth Kea,and Radio Africa Coast Bureau Chief Charles Mghenyi inspired the young journalist asking them to seize opportunities presented by technological advancements
They also asked fellow journalists to chart a path towards a vibrant and prosperous media ecosystem so as to be self-sustainable especially after life in the newsroom. Mghenyi says it’s key for journalists to cut a niche in their line of career to make themselves distinct.
“We should always think outside the box, and seize the opportunities presented by technological advancements, leveraging them to chart a path towards a vibrant and prosperous media ecosystem. We should continue reminding ourselves that one day we will be out of the newsroom,” said Mghenyi.
Invited guests included United Democratic Alliance UDA nominated Senator Miraj Abdillahi Mombasa county lands and urban planning executive Mohamed Hussein alias Amado, Media council of Kenya and the Human rights agenda (HURIA) who despite being friends of the media fraternity pledged support to the club with any resources at their disposal.
Abdalla, who has established herself as a defender of girl rights in education, acknowledged the role of the media in shaming the agenda. She urged journalists to use their tools of work and skills to impact a positive change in the society.
Mohamed, who represented Mombasa Governor Abdulswamad Nassir, asked members of the media to remain united and ensure prosperity in community building through journalistic work.
“Th county government will continue to cooperate and work with the media because the media is a powerful tool in building the nation. We urge you to remain united so that you can achieve the plans and make the profession strong, “said Mohammed.
