By Winnie Ali | aliwinnie3@gmail.com
November 21, 2024, Nairobi
Journalists need to adopt innovative ways such as mobile journalism to tell the African science story to help improve the living standards of the masses, a leading media personality has said.
While addressing members of The Media Environment, Science, Health, and Agriculture (MESHA) at its 18thAnnual General Assembly (AGA) yesterday, the group’s secretary, Aghan Daniel, said that working together in an organised strategic network, is more rewarding than practicing as individuals.
The AGA brought together 80 members of the giant association which brings together journalist from across the continent.
The meeting was a significant moment for the 19 year old association as it unveiled its newly elected board members, poised to lead MESHA through the next three years, up to 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.
Bozo Jenje, from the Technical University of Mombasa, was re-elected unopposed as Chairman. This marks his second term in the role, highlighting the trust and confidence members have in his leadership.
Nduta Waweru, representing 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) and Robert Malala (Nyota TV) as ordinary board members, with Muchangi securing 68% (38 votes) and Malala garnering 74% (46 votes). The pair was joined by Sharon Atieno (Science Africa) and Asha Bekidusa (Citizen Radio) with Atieno earning 82% (51 votes) and Bekidusa receiving 45% (28 votes).
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 AGA 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.
