Nakuru journalists shine at the Annual Journalism Excellence Awards

In an era where truth is both vital and vulnerable, the storytellers from Nakuru stood tall, proving that courageous journalism can illuminate even the darkest corners.

At the 13th Annual Journalism Excellence Awards, Nakuru’s journalists demonstrated unmatched dedication, shining with stories that challenge, inspire, and transform communities.

In a landmark moment, Nation Media Group’s South rift Regional editor Brygettes Ngana and senior reporter Sam Ouko emerged as joint recipients of the coveted Journalist of the Year Award, a prestigious honour recognizing outstanding journalistic impact and integrity.

 The duo also clinched the Health and Substance Abuse Reporting Award for their powerful feature story "Behind the Byline", which explored the silent struggles of once-decorated media personalities now grappling with mental health conditions.

The piece shed light on how the high-pressure demands of journalism can take a toll on mental wellness and drastically change the lives of those behind the headlines.

Also flying the Nakuru flag high, photojournalist Suleiman Mbatiah was named a finalist in the Agriculture and Food Security Reporting category for his visual and narrative piece "Climate Warriors: How Farmers Are Protecting Biodiversity Through Seed Saving and Exchange."

In a hard-hitting investigative piece, Royal Media Group’s Evans Asiba won the Animal Welfare Reporting Award for "Makala: Punda Ng’ombe".

The exposé uncovered the illegal slaughter of donkeys and how their meat was deceptively sold as beef in local markets. The story highlighted the drastic decline in donkey populations animals essential to rural livelihoods as well as the violation of animal rights and consumer deception in the food supply chain.

Meanwhile, the Best Investigative Reporting Award went to Cynthia Gichiri of African Uncensored for her exposé "Fertile Deception". The digital investigation revealed how unsuspecting farmers were being sold counterfeit organic fertilizer disguised as a government-subsidized input.

In a statement, the Nakuru Journalists Association extended warm congratulations to its members for their stellar performance.
“The Nakuru Journalists Association congratulates our members for their outstanding achievements in journalism at the Annual Journalism Excellence Awards (AJEA) 2025. Your dedication, excellence, and commitment to impactful storytelling continue to inspire the entire journalism fraternity,” reads part of the congratulatory message.

AJEA, organized by the Media Council of Kenya, remains the pinnacle of recognition for journalistic excellence in the country, celebrating impactful storytelling and ethical reporting.

This year’s edition reinforced Nakuru's place on the media map as a powerhouse of quality journalism, with its journalists not only telling powerful stories, but also setting national benchmarks for excellence.