As the media landscape undergoes rapid transformation driven by digital innovation and shifting political climates, the Association of Media Women in Kenya (AMWIK) continues to champion the inclusion of gender-sensitive perspectives in the pursuit of press freedom.
In a recent high-level consultative meeting with the Media Council of Kenya (MCK), AMWIK Executive Director Queenter Mbori joined leaders from the Kenya Editors’ Guild (KEG) and the Kenya Union of Journalists (KUJ) to deliberate on a landmark initiative: the 2026 Annual Pan-African Media Summit.
The summit, scheduled to take place from in Mombasa, marks a significant shift in how Kenya engages with the continent. MCK CEO David Omwoyo announced that the Council is expanding its annual convening power to cover the entire continent, positioning Kenya as a hub for collective action on media sustainability and the protection of journalists.
For AMWIK, this expansion is a vital opportunity to strengthen cross-border solidarity among women in media.
“It is exciting to see the summit expand to other regions,” noted Ms. Mbori during the meeting. “This platform will enable us to support our colleagues in neighboring countries and ensure that the unique challenges faced by women journalists are addressed on a continental stage.”
The 2026 Summit will tackle pressing issues, including the impact of Generative AI on newsroom practices, ethical reporting in the digital age, and the role of media in safeguarding democracy.
AMWIK recognizes that as technology evolves, women in media often face specific risks, including online harassment and digital exclusion. Through this partnership, AMWIK aims to ensure that the “Media Week” and the Pan-African dialogue include robust frameworks for protecting female voices in digital spaces.
A key highlight of the consultation was the rebranding of the flagship awards. Formerly the Annual Journalism Excellence Awards (AJEA), they will now be known as the Annual Media Excellence Awards (AMEA). This shift acknowledges the entire media ecosystem, including media houses and innovative media products.
AMWIK welcomes this change as it opens doors for recognizing collaborative projects and gender-focused media products that have traditionally been overlooked in individual-centric award categories.
The collaboration between MCK, AMWIK, KEG, and KUJ signals a unified front for the Kenyan media sector. By working together, these organizations are not only planning an event but are building a sustainable model for media advocacy.
The summit is expected to attract over 500 delegates, including civil society, youth organizations, and diplomatic missions. AMWIK’s involvement ensures that the agenda remains inclusive, pushing for a media environment where women are not just participants, but leaders in shaping the future of African journalism.
As we look toward Mombasa 2026, AMWIK remains committed to this partnership, believing that a free press is only truly free when it is inclusive, diverse, and representative of all voices across the African continent.
By Denis Mbau, AMWIK
