Kenyan Media CEO Elected To Chair Global Body
Omwoyo was elected during the 2nd Pan-African Media Councils' Summit at the Arusha International Conference Centre (AICC) in Tanzania.
Marvin Chege 
Media Council of Kenya (MCK) Chief Executive Officer (CEO) David Omwoyo has been elected to chair the World Association of Press Councils (WAPC).
This was announced by MCK via its Facebook page on Wednesday, July 16, which revealed that Omwoyo was elected during the 2nd Pan-African Media Councils' Summit at the Arusha International Conference Centre (AICC) in Tanzania.
"Media Council of Kenya CEO David Omwoyo, MBS has been elected as Chairperson of the World Association of Press Councils (WAPC) at today's AGM held in Arusha during the ongoing 2nd Pan African Media Councils Summit," the media regulator announced. Omwoyo now succeeds Dr Sule Aker, Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus, who had served as its President.
The World Association of Press Councils (WAPC) is an international organisation that brings together national press councils and media regulatory bodies from different countries. Its primary goal is to promote press freedom, uphold ethical journalism standards, and encourage responsible media practices across the globe.
A group of Kenyan journalists covering a past event. /KENYA UNION OF JOURNALISTS
Founded in 1978, the WAPC serves as a platform where press councils can share ideas, strategies, and experiences related to media regulation, journalistic accountability, and protecting the rights of both journalists and the public. The association emphasises the importance of self-regulation in the media industry, arguing that independent press oversight is essential to maintaining public trust and avoiding unnecessary state interference.
Members of the WAPC typically include press councils from various countries, though membership and activity levels can vary depending on regional media environments and political climates. The association holds periodic conferences and forums where key issues like misinformation, media freedom under threat, and ethical reporting are discussed.
In short, the World Association of Press Councils acts as a global voice for press self-regulation, aiming to balance freedom of expression with journalistic responsibility.
The appointment comes just hours after Omwoyo landed a new role at the East African Press Councils (EAPC), following the election of its leadership team for the 2025-2027 term. He succeeded Kajubi Mukajanga of Tanzania.
Omwoyo is serving his second and final 5-year term at the helm of MCK, a term set to expire in July 2027. He is a Journalist, Writer, Editor, and Team Leader up to CEO level in a career spanning the religious sector, educational institution, and public sector leadership. He was a 2021 Nation Media Group top 40 Under 40 winner.
He has a Bachelor’s degree in Journalism, a Masters degree in Mass Communications from the University of Leicester and a Masters degree in Contemporary Diplomacy from the Royal University of Malta in 2022.
In addition, he is an alumnus of the London School of Economics (LSE), where he studied Public Policy Analysis. According to WANIFRA, he is pursuing his PhD in Organisational Leadership at Columbia International University, USA.
Omwoyo's other areas of research interest include: Public interest media for sustainability in the digital era and changing consumer trends, and navigating the delicate balance between press freedom and responsible journalism.
