Kenya: This afternoon, Cabinet Secretary Ababu Namwamba hosted a meeting with the Sports Journalist Association of Kenya (SJAK) Executive Committee. The aim of the meeting was to align the ministry’s annual plan of activities around sports with the journalists of the country.
The Sports Journalists’ Association was led by its president, James Waindi. The excom team briefed the Cabinet Secretary on their current and future plans. They also explored areas of collaboration and partnership that will ensure objective reporting and dissemination of information to the public.
Cabinet Secretary Ababu Namwamba lauded the team for their support. Additionally, he encouraged them to maintain objectivity in reporting the news of the sports events.
He welcomed constructive criticism of the works undertaken by his office. He said that it was necessary to maintain effective checks and balances on his ministry.
“We thank you for the fantastic job so far in reporting the various activities undertaken by this ministry. We are fully aware of your watchdog role, and recognize it as crucial for us to keep our focus of service to Kenyans in the straight and narrow,” he said.
The Cabinet Secretary committed to maintain his open-door policy to the media fraternity, assuring them that his ministry was keen on forging a strong relationship that would ensure Kenyans were aptly informed on the various breakthroughs in the sports ecosystem.
“As we gear up for an eventful year with key events including the Magical Kenya Open Golf tournaments, the WRC Safari Rally as well as the Olympics, we want you to have a front row view so that you can accurately report to Kenyans,” observed the CS.
“We are doing so deliberately for inclusivity as we believe the best way to grow is to allow freedom of thoughts and to encourage competition of ideas,” he quipped.
SJAK, a valued stakeholder in the sports ecosystem, currently boast of over 250 members spread across the country.