Science journalists
have been asked to adopt innovative ways such as mobile journalism to tell the
African science story.
The call
was made by Aghan Daniel, CEO of the Media for Environment, Science, Health and
Agriculture in Kenya (MESHA), during the association’s Annual General Assembly
on Thursday.
Aghan said
that working together is more rewarding than practising as individuals.
Mesha is
Kenya’s premier science journalists’ professional body and brings together more
than 100 members.
The 19-year-old
association on Thursday also unveiled its new board members, who will hold office
until 2027.
The
election process began with members nominating candidates for various board
positions. After a thorough vetting process, 13 nominees were picked to contest
for Chairperson, Vice Chairperson, Treasurer, and four Ordinary Board Members
slots.
The voting
process reflected MESHA’s commitment to democratic governance and its vision of
advancing media coverage in the critical areas of environment, science, health,
and agriculture, Aghan said..
Bozo
Jenje, a don from the Technical University of Mombasa, was re-elected chairman.
This marks his second term in the role, highlighting the trust and confidence
members have in his leadership.
Nduta
Waweru, from Deutsche Stiftung Weltbevölkerung (DSW), Kenya, was elected Vice
Chairperson, succeeding Laura Otieno of Citizen TV.
John Riaga
was retained as Treasurer, retaining his position.
John
Muchangi (The Star Newspaper), Robert Malala (Nyota TV), Sharon Atieno (Science
Africa) and Asha Bekidusa (Citizen Radio) were elected board members.
The new
board members pledged to work diligently to propel Mesha to greater heights,
building on the association’s successes while steering it toward a brighter
future aware that next year will be a very busy year for the association.
In his
acceptance remarks, Mesha chairman Bozo Jenje emphasized the importance of
collaboration, calling on the new board, members, and secretariat to work
together harmoniously to achieve the association’s goals.
Members
expressed optimism and excitement about the new leadership, flooding the board
members with congratulatory messages and voicing hope for the association’s
future.
The annual
assembly also provided an opportunity to reflect on Mesha’s achievements over
the past year, discuss upcoming initiatives, and set the strategic agenda for
the next years. With the new leadership in place, the association is poised to
strengthen its impact and continue championing informed, high-quality media
coverage of issues in environment, science, health, and agriculture.
The newly elected board is expected to bring fresh energy and perspectives, ensuring that Mesha continues to serve its members and society with excellence and innovation.