The Media Council of Kenya (MCK) has announced plans to support a Golden Jubilee celebration marking veteran journalist and broadcaster Fred Obachi Machoka’s five-decade career, while launching a broader initiative to preserve the legacy and expertise of Kenya’s media pioneers.
The September celebration will serve as a platform to recognise media veterans who have shaped the country’s journalism and broadcasting industry, while creating opportunities for experienced practitioners to mentor a new generation of journalists.
Speaking during the launch of the event on Thursday, MCK Chief Executive Officer David Omwoyo said the Council would provide secretariat support to the organisers and help establish a framework for documenting the contributions of media veterans and integrating their knowledge into the industry.
Omwoyo said the initiative seeks to address the loss of institutional knowledge in the media sector by ensuring retired and experienced journalists continue contributing through mentorship, training and professional engagements.
“The event aims to celebrate both the past achievements of veterans and their future contributions. The goal is to create a legacy that will outlive the current generation and benefit future journalists,” Omwoyo said.
He noted that many experienced media practitioners risk being disconnected from the industry despite possessing valuable skills and knowledge that can benefit young journalists.
“The experienced media practitioners should not be allowed to fade away without transferring their skills to the industry,” he said, citing the Swedish saying, “rest is rust.”
Machoka, whose career spans 50 years in radio and television, said the celebration would go beyond an individual milestone to honour the pioneers who built Kenya’s media industry.
“When a profession honours its veterans, it tells every journalist and broadcaster still on duty that their work has worth beyond the day’s bulletin,” Machoka said.
He said the partnership with MCK would help establish structured mentorship programmes, including masterclasses and industry engagements where young journalists can learn from seasoned professionals.
Machoka described the event as a national legacy celebration that would highlight Kenya’s media journey from the analogue broadcasting era to the current digital age.
“The event is not a personal celebration but a tribute to all who contributed to the media industry,” he said.
Veteran journalist Lee Njiru highlighted the challenges faced by retired journalists and welcomed discussions around establishing welfare structures to support media practitioners after retirement.
Pamela Mburia, a veteran journalist and member of the Association of Professional Broadcasters, said collaboration between industry stakeholders was essential in preserving the history and future of Kenyan broadcasting.
Kenya Editors Guild President Zubeida Kananu emphasised the need to protect mainstream media while tapping into the expertise of veteran journalists to strengthen the next generation of media professionals.
The September Golden Jubilee celebration is expected to bring together journalists, media stakeholders and Rumba musicians from across Africa to celebrate Machoka’s contribution and recognise the wider legacy of Kenya’s media veterans.
Got a news tip? Please send us an email at info@nairobidaily.com
