Ruben FM produces top journalists at awards show.

On the 2nd of December, two of our very own members of staff waved the Ruben Centre flag high at the Association of Grassroot Journalists Kenya (AGJK) awards. Robert Ledira alias Maasai 001, who hosts Jahazi la Alamsiki and Denson Moruri alias Kijana ya Nyatieko who hosts KUZA 254 scooped awards for categories Best Investigative Journalist and 1st runners up in Gender Reporting, respectively. The award shows picked journalists across the country from various community radio stations.

AGJK is mandated to promote professionalism and viability in the field of communication. The main categories for the awards included Health reporting, Gender reporting, Governance and Advocacy, Sports, art and culture reporting, Covid -19 impactful stories, Education reporting, Investigative reporting and Journalist of The Year among several other categories.

Robert Ledira was honored to receive his first official award noting that the his reporting has made Mukuru a better place by exposing and reducing illegal power and water connections within  Mukuru informal settlement. “Through my story, the senate committee in Mukuru has been more alert because the situation at hand was brought to limelight and illegal (power and water) connections in Mukuru have reduced. I appreciate Ruben FM for giving me that platform to make my home better than it was growing up,” he appreciated.

Denson Moruri amazed many because his area of expertise is considered as a female dominated category but he defied the odds and claimed victory. “I learnt that objectivity, impact, relevance and originality play a big role in reporting. I am hoping to win first place next year. I would like to thank all my fans and above all God for bringing me this far,” he commented.

In a speech by former Ruben Centre Director read during the awards, Br. Frank acknowledged the efforts all 299 nominated journalists in making their communities better. Br. Frank speech quoted, “Information is power.  Control of information is largely in the hands of the various forms of media… Control the media and a big step has been taken to control the people. I saw AGJK an extension of Ruben FM and so sought to help out with its establishment and so I am delighted to hear of these AGJK inaugural awards for exceptional hardworking grassroots journalist committed to be the voice of the voiceless in society.”

As Ruben Centre congratulates Robert and Denson for their efforts, it is noteworthy that we remain committed to be inclusive of all members of the Mukuru community.