KENYA: Kenyan Presidential Award Winner “Ignited to Serve Gallantly” in the Media Industry
Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Media Council of Kenya (MCK) Mr. David Omwoyo Omwoyo
Sr. Jecinter Antoinette Okoth, FSSA
The Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Media Council of Kenya (MCK) Mr. David Omwoyo Omwoyo who recently received Presidential Award for his exemplary leadership in the media industry, has expressed his enthusiasm to be more dedicated in offering his services not only in Kenya but also globally.
“I am pleased to have been among Kenyans recognized by the Head of State to receive the Moran of the Order of the Burning Spear (MBS) Award. I am indeed honored and I owe it to my continued service to humanity especially in promoting media development and professionalism not just in Kenya but also globally,” Mr. Omwoyo who doubles as Secretary to the Council shared with AMECEA online in an interview, on Wednesday, August 3, weeks after the award.
He expressed that the award is an indication that his “exemplary leadership and service to the country in the media space is visible,” and also an encouragement to “all awardees to do more in the various jurisdictions.”
The media personnel who has over 15 years of experience in Journalism and has worked in public, private, religious and non-governmental sectors, disclosed how he has been motivated saying, “This award has ignited in me more enthusiasm to continue making our media industry the best it can be. I am proud to be Kenyan and to serve my country gallantly.”
Asked in the Wednesday interview how he might have been identified for the State award recognition, Mr. Omwoyo who oversees the country’s national independent media regulatory body mandated to set media standards explained that the role he plays in MCK has offered “a great opportunity to provide leadership to a team of professionals in executing different initiatives to promote media freedom and responsible journalism in Kenya.”
This he narrated, “has immensely contributed to making Kenya’s media one of the most vibrant in the region and globally.”
Additionally Mr. Omwoyo who also serves as the Second Vice President of the World Association of Press Councils (WAPC) revealed that since Kenya was “ranked position 69 out of 180 in the 20th World Press Freedom Index, published by Reporters Without Borders (RSF)” is a major achievement during his leadership and it “shows Kenya’s intention to have a free press.”
He continued, “The remarkable improvement is a clear sign of the work we are doing at the Council and with media stakeholders. This feat has brought honor to our Republic.”
Other than the MBS State award, the MCK officer was last year 2021 recognized as one of Kenya’s youngest leaders by Nation Media Group’s Top 40 Under 40 Men annual awards that recognize outstanding achievement in various fields in the private and public sectors.
According to The National Honours Act 2013, there are no specified benefits for the MBS award however, Mr. Omwoyo who previously served as the Communications Director for the Kenya Conference of Catholic Bishops (KCCB) narrates that a Section in the Act highlights that “the Cabinet Secretary may make regulations to prescribe the privileges or benefits that shall attach to a national honour.”
“According to the Act, a person recognized as a national hero or heroine is entitled to among others, having cultural festivals, concerts, exhibitions and sports events organized in their honour, having towns, institutions, open parks in urban areas, roads, streets, estates, stamps and notable landmarks named after them, publication of books depicting their respective roles in Kenya’s history or the social life of the society, which shall be part of the educational curriculum,” Mr. Omwoyo underscored
He added, “Awardees can be accorded financial assistance from the National Heroes Fund where their economic circumstances warrant such assistance and get invitations to national and community functions as a State guest.”
Mr. Omwoyo who has dedicated his award to the family and colleagues at MCK and the Kenyan media industry whose collective efforts have propelled him to his current status has pledged to continue supporting the media selflessly noting that he will “ensure the industry cements its position as a key pillar of our country’s development agenda, (as) the media remains a critical player in all spheres of our lives.”
