David Omwoyo Elected to Lead East African Press Council
This move, Omwoyo believes, will foster easier movement and reporting for journalists covering regional stories — a common challenge for many media professionals.
MCK CEO David Omwoyo. Photo/KBC Digital.
By Mercy Chelangat
David Omwoyo, the CEO of the Media Council of Kenya, has been elected the new chairperson of the East African Press Council (EAPC) — a regional body that unites media regulators from across East Africa.
His election was announced during a high-level meeting held in Arusha, Tanzania. In a major double victory for Kenya, Omwoyo was also tapped to lead the World Association of Press Councils, giving him a significant voice in both regional and global media affairs.
Speaking shortly after his election, Omwoyo laid out a bold vision aimed at making life easier for journalists in the region. His top priority? Cross-border accreditation.
“As a first priority, we are working towards cross-border recognition of accreditation to allow media professionals to work in any member country without the need for new accreditation,” Omwoyo said.
The idea is simple: if a journalist is accredited in one East African country, that accreditation should be recognized across the entire region. This move, Omwoyo believes, will foster easier movement and reporting for journalists covering regional stories — a common challenge for many media professionals.
Omwoyo also announced plans to work closely with the East African Community (EAC) to create shared media standards, promoting professionalism, ethical journalism, and press freedom across all member states.
He takes over from Kajubi Mukajanga, the inaugural chairperson of EAPC and former head of the Media Council of Tanzania.
The EAPC was launched in 2023 to harmonize media regulation across the region and strengthen the role of national media councils. The council supports independent journalism, ethical standards, and media sustainability.
Omwoyo will be working alongside Ernest Sungura from Tanzania, who was elected vice-chair, and Peter Okello from Uganda, who will serve as secretary. The trio will serve a two-year term.
The new leadership team has already outlined a strategic plan running from 2024 to 2027. Their key focus areas include:
Promoting independent journalism
Embracing new technology in media
Strengthening the financial resilience of media houses
Fostering regional collaboration and inclusion in reporting
Conducting research on journalism trends and challenges
Establishing uniform media policies across member states
If successful, Omwoyo’s leadership could mark a major turning point for East African journalism — breaking down regulatory barriers, encouraging cross-border storytelling, and giving journalists the freedom to report without unnecessary red tape.
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