Radio Africa Group Deputy Digital editor Nancy Agutu is among seven finalists for the 2022 Human Rights Journalism Awards.
The competition, in its second year, was curated to recognize excellence in journalism reporting on human rights and gender stories.
The other six are Rosemary Onchari of Shahidi News, Isaac Waihenya of Jangwani Radio in Marsabit, Stella Alex of Radio Domus in Kajiado, Moraa Obiria of Daily Nation, Rosebella Tawa of Radio Rahma in Mombasa, and Serfine Achineg’ of Citizen TV, formerly in Kenya Broadcasting Corporation (KBC).
It was revealed that this year, the competition received 123 entries from journalists around the country, an increase compared to last year’s 79.
Following a rigorous judging process by a battery of veteran journalists, the judges expressed confidence that the quality of stories has improved compared to last year, attributing it to increased training and mentorship for journalists.
Njeri Rugene, a judge at the independent panel for the awards and a veteran journalist said upcoming journalists are giving those in mainstream media a run for their money.
“This year, it was almost impossible to pick the best because the competition was too tight. The stories submitted were comprehensive, and of high standards and it is worth noting that there were new entrants, especially from community media houses,” she said.
Njeri said journalists should be motivated to submit their entries whenever journalism competitions are announced because it gives them an upper hand to measure their reporting skills in the industry, which she noted is highly competitive.
“TV journalists have recorded the lowest submissions and focus should be directed towards TV reporting to give it a competitive edge,” she said.
The awards ceremony will be held on December 9 in Nairobi, to coincide with the eve of the completion of the 16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence and Human Rights Day commemorated globally on December 10.
