Media Council of Kenya and and Ministry of Energy of Petroleum and Energy cancel awards ceremony

Ministry of Petroleum and Energy cancel energy journalism awards gala slated for April 4 after KUJ and Editors Guild raised integrity issues.

Mark Mwithaga

April 3, 2019 4:48 PM

The event will not happen

Energy Cabinet Secretary Charles Keter

The Ministry of Energy and Petroleum on Wednesday cancelled the Energy Journalism Awards after journalist raised concerns over the event.

Through a press release issued by the Media Council of Kenya, the communication authority stated that the decision was made after consultations with the ministry.

MCK Statement on the Energy Journalism Excellence Awards Pulse Live Kenya

“While aware that sections of the media fraternity have continuously participated in the previous three awards, the Media Council has consulted the Ministry of Petroleum and advised that the awards be put off,” read part of the statement.

MCK CEO and Secretary to the Board David Omwoyo, further explained that a section of the media stake holders ahead of the award ceremony which was to take place on Thursday, had expressed reservations in regards to financing, timing and independence of the journalist who cannot ethically be awarded by subject of media coverage.

“MCK appreciates the efforts of the Ministry of Energy and Petroleum to invest in media development and public information but urges caution that such investment should not be seen as attempts to influence media coverage,” stated Omwoyo.

Journalists snub award ceremony by Kenya Pipeline Company

The Kenya Editors Guild, had earlier pointed out that they would not attend the gala organized by the Kenya Pipeline Company, as it went against their interest as journalists.

Kenya Pipeline Headquarters on Nanyuki Road in Industrial Area Nairobi County Pulse Live Kenya

“The awards as planned, seeks to put journalists in a situation where they are to be celebrated by subjects of their coverage, all in the claim of rewarding excellence

"Naturally, this constitutes a major conflict of interest, a grave matter for editors in particular and the larger fraternity of the free media,” read a part of a statement issued by the body.

Rosalia Omungo, who is the president of the group, highlighted that the company can take measures to ensure that the firm does not act beyond the legal means of media freedom as stated in the constitution.

Mark Mwithaga