MCK Boss David Omwoyo Elected to Head East African Press Council
David Omwoyo, the Chief Executive Officer of the Media Council of Kenya (MCK), has been elected as the new chairperson of the East African Press Council (EAPC).
His election was confirmed on July 16 during the EAPC’s Annual General Meeting (AGM) held in Arusha, Tanzania.
This meeting was part of the ongoing 2nd Pan Africa Media Council Summit, which brought together top media leaders and policymakers from across the African continent.
Omwoyo’s election marks a significant leadership shift within the EAPC. He will be joined by Ernest Sungura, the Executive Secretary of the Media Council of Tanzania (MCT), and Peter Okello from the Media Council of Uganda (MCU).
In this new leadership lineup, Omwoyo will serve as Chairperson, Sungura will take on the role of Vice Chairperson, while Jabweli will serve as the new Secretary of the Council.
In addition to his new role as EAPC Chairperson, Omwoyo was also elected as the Chairperson of the World Association of Press Councils, further cementing his influence on both regional and international media platforms.
He becomes the second person to chair the East African Press Council, following in the footsteps of Kajubi Mukajanga, the founding Chair and former Executive Director of the Media Council of Tanzania.
Under their new leadership, the council will be expected to oversee a state-of-the-media survey across the East African Community (EAC) member states.
This important task will help evaluate the condition of media operations in the region and identify areas needing improvement.
According to an official statement released by the council, one of the key priorities of the new executive team will be to push for a harmonised accreditation process for journalists across all EAC member states.
This will be achieved through the creation of a unified regional media protocol that sets common standards for press freedom, accountability, and media regulation.
The newly elected leaders will serve a two-year term, during which they will guide the council in implementing its 2024–2027 Strategic Plan.
Their work is expected to lay the foundation for a stronger, more independent, and coordinated media regulatory environment across East Africa.
The East African Press Council was established in 2023 with the aim of bringing together media regulatory bodies from EAC countries, including Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, Rwanda, Somalia, and the Democratic Republic of Congo.
Its main goal is to strengthen the role and independence of media councils within the region and promote responsible journalism.
David Omwoyo brings to this leadership role more than 15 years of experience in journalism, media education, and media management.
His professional background spans work in government, private organizations, religious institutions, and non-governmental organizations. His wealth of experience is expected to play a key role in advancing media professionalism and freedom in the region.
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