Govt urges media to drive sports development as SJAK holds AGM

The Ministry for Youth Affairs Creative Economy and Sports has appealed to sports journalists to assume a more prominent role in the advancement of Kenyan sport, characterizing the media as a vital collaborator rather than an external entity in the sports sector. Director of Sports Douglas Ratemo, speaking on behalf of Sports Principal Secretary Elijah Mwangi, delivered the keynote address during the Sports Journalists’ Association of Kenya (SJAK) Annual General Meeting in Nairobi on Friday.

The Principal Secretary expressed gratitude for the ongoing contributions of sports journalists in the development and promotion of sport in Kenya, emphasizing that the AGM took place at a crucial juncture when Government is striving to reposition sport beyond mere recreation and entertainment. "This AGM comes at an important time when the Government is seeking to reposition sport not merely as recreation and entertainment, but as a strategic sector for talent development, employment, national pride, social development and economic growth," the speech conveyed.

"In this journey, the media is not an outsider looking into sport. You are an important partner in the sports ecosystem."

According to Ratemo, athletes create memorable moments, while the media provides these moments with voice and lasting impact. "Imagine the Olympic Games without journalists, cameras, broadcasters, commentators, newspapers, radio, television and digital platforms. The athletes would still compete. The races would still be run. Goals would still be scored.

Medals would still be won. But how many people would know about those achievements?" Ratemo queried, speaking for Principal Secretary Mwangi. He stressed that the same principle applies to FIFA competitions and other major sporting events, pointing out that "sport provides the content, but the media connects that content to millions of people across the country and around the world."

The Ministry challenged SJAK members to delve beyond merely reporting winners and losers, urging them to examine deeper issues impacting Kenyan sport. "Kenyan sport needs journalism that asks the difficult but necessary questions: Why are we producing champions in some disciplines and struggling in others? Why are some talented young athletes not making the transition to elite sport?

Are our federations properly governed? Are our facilities adequate?" the speech stated. Ratemo contended that such stories can aid Kenya by bringing critical issues to the national dialogue and influencing policy, investment, and decision-making. The Principal Secretary encouraged journalists to illuminate the human narratives behind sport – the stories of young athletes in rural areas, coaches working with limited resources, and federations quietly cultivating talent.

"Behind every medal is a story of sacrifice. Behind every record is years of training. Because sometimes one powerful story can achieve what many policy documents cannot – it can move the nation to act," he asserted. The Ministry expressed its desire for a more robust partnership with the sports media, founded on mutual respect, professional independence, openness, and a shared dedication to Kenyan sport.

"Kenya has immense sporting potential. We have athletes who can compete with the best in the world. But talent alone is not sufficient. We need effective governance, adequate investment, quality coaching, strong federations, appropriate facilities, athlete welfare, sports science – and a vibrant and responsible sports media that shares the Kenyan sporting story with the world," the speech concluded.

SJAK Chairman, who chaired the AGM, announced that the association would continue working with Government to bolster professionalism, training, and welfare for sports journalists nationwide. The meeting also heard reports on membership, finances, welfare, and approved a new constitution.