NAIROBI, Kenya— Veteran broadcaster Fred Obachi Machoka’s upcoming 50th anniversary in the media industry will go beyond celebrating his personal career, serving as a national tribute to Kenya’s journalism pioneers while promoting mentorship and welfare for media professionals.
The September event is expected to bring together journalists, broadcasters, media stakeholders and rumba musicians from across Africa to honour the contributions of veteran media practitioners and reflect on the evolution of Kenya’s broadcasting industry from the analogue era to the digital age.
Speaking during the launch of the initiative, Machoka said the celebration is intended to recognise the collective contribution of media professionals who helped shape Kenya’s broadcasting landscape over the past five decades.
“The event is not a personal celebration but a tribute to all who contributed to the media industry,” Machoka said.
He added that the partnership supporting the initiative will also establish structured mentorship opportunities through masterclasses and industry engagements, enabling young journalists and broadcasters to learn directly from experienced professionals.
“When a profession honours its veterans, it tells every journalist and broadcaster still on duty that their work has worth beyond the day’s bulletin,” Machoka said.
The initiative also highlighted growing concerns over the welfare of retired journalists.
Veteran journalist Lee Njiru noted that many former media practitioners face significant challenges after retirement and welcomed plans to establish a welfare programme to support journalists beyond their active careers.
Association of Professional Broadcasters member Pamela Mburia praised the collaboration, saying it provides an opportunity to create a lasting impact within the profession by preserving the experiences of veteran journalists while nurturing future talent.
Kenya Editors Guild President Zubeida Kananu also underscored the need to safeguard mainstream media and tap into the expertise of veteran journalists to strengthen the next generation of media professionals.
The celebration comes at a time when Kenya’s media industry continues to undergo rapid technological transformation, with newsrooms adapting to digital publishing, multimedia storytelling and changing audience consumption habits.
Organisers say the event will not only celebrate Machoka’s five decades in broadcasting but also preserve the legacy of veteran journalists whose contributions laid the foundation for Kenya’s modern media industry.
