Uplift Each Other: Journalists To Colleagues At Annual Scribes Party [PHOTOS]

In what is arguably the toughest period for media houses in Kenya in recent times, the call at the annual Scribes End-of-Year Party 2024 was simple: uplift each other.

Journalists and communications professionals drawn from various media houses and organisations came together at the annual event which took place on Saturday, December 7 at the LB Lounge in Ngong, Kajiado County.

During the event, they took stock of the year, enjoyed some juicy nyama choma and danced to sweet music.

The scribes were urged to check on their colleagues amidst calls to pay attention to their mental health. Going by recent media highlights, the mental health of journalists in Kenya has been walking on a tightrope owing to mass layoffs by media companies who have had to deal with high costs to stay afloat.

Journalists at the Scribes End of Year Party at LB Lounge in Ngong on December 7, 2024. /HANDOUT

Speaking at the event, the Scribes Association Group of Kenya (Scribes254) President Roncliffe Odit said, "Let us tell each other the truth, the economy is doing badly and things are not right within the media fraternity."

"We have colleagues who have been laid off due to high operational costs to keep the business afloat. But as a media fraternity, we should keep on checking on each other," he urged.

Scribes254 is Kenya's first-ever media outfit, consisting of over 250 journalists across the country and beyond, and it is attached to various media houses ranging from broadcast to print and digital. Every end of the year, Scribes Kenya alongside communication experts and other experts gather to take stock of the year, share a meal and fete those who have done exceptionally well in various aspects.

Odit added that despite the prevailing challenges, the media remains a strong player in shaping national development processes while at the same time being the most trusted institution.

“This is why today we are gathered here so that we can share some of the challenges we have encountered and forge a common way on how to move forward,” he said.

“We cannot run away from the fact editorial influencing by corporates/owners and advertisers, censorship, physical threats, corruption, poor working conditions and mass layoffs are among challenges that stand out in the face of free and independent media."

He added that the current economic turbulence that journalists have to deal with as a result of dwindling revenues from advertisement calls for new ways of doing things.

“Dear colleagues, it does not hurt if you support a colleague who is at their lowest. Let us embrace the art of uplifting each other and those who are in decision-making positions must advocate for better remuneration,” he urged, further calling upon those who have secured employment with international media houses to share job opportunities with local comrades.

The gathering saw Nakuru-based photographer and journalist Suleiman Mbatiah declared the Scribe of the Year 2024. Mbatiah was praised for his resilience in embracing digital technology and for creating a niche in the digital space. 

The evening and night were filled with music and lots of nyama choma as the scribes danced their hearts out. 

Kameme TV host Agnes Nonsizi, Radio Maisha’s Billy Miya, BBC Radio presenters Phylis Mwatee and Sarafina Robi, K24’s Busara Naaman, and Zakheem Rajan, a senior communications officer from the Judiciary are among the many journalists and communications professionals who attended the event.

The event also marked the first time Viral Tea was represented, with our founder and editor-in-chief, who is the writer of this story, in attendance.

Odit praised one of the country's fastest-growing digital native media platforms in the new decade which emerged from a mini-startup blog to one of the most respected media houses in Kenya, amidst rousing praise from the attending scribes.

A banner at the Scribes End of Year Party at LB Lounge in Ngong on December 7, 2024. /MARVIN CHEGE.VIRAL TEA KE