The Sports Journalists Association of Kenya (SJAK) has adopted a new constitution tailor-made to strengthen governance, accountability and member protection.
The document, prepared by a seven-member constitution review committee led by SJAK Treasurer Mukami Wambora, was ratified during the association’s Annual General Meeting (AGM) held in Nairobi on Friday.
The new constitution replaces the one that has been in existence since 2014.
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Inside SJAK’s Draft Constitution
SJAK Secretary General Moses Wakhisi told members that the review process had been a priority since resolutions of the previous AGM, and that the association could not afford to continue operating under outdated rules.
“The constitutional review process has remained an important institutional matter following discussions and resolutions of the previous AGM,” Wakhisi said.
“A modern association requires a modern governance framework. Our constitution must clearly define responsibilities, protect members’ rights, strengthen accountability, provide credible electoral processes and safeguard institutional continuity. It should outlive all of us.
Our responsibility is therefore to leave SJAK with stronger governance structures than those we inherited. Looking forward, I believe SJAK should concentrate on several strategic priorities.”
The key proposed changes include a clearer separation of roles between the National Executive Committee and the secretariat, term limits for office bearers, a dispute resolution mechanism, and stricter guidelines on elections and financial management.
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Treasurer Wambora, who chaired the review panel, said consultations were held with members in Nairobi and the counties to ensure the document reflects the needs of both the majority in Nairobi and diaspora journalists.
“It took months of painstaking research to write the new constitution, going through the document line by line.
“We want something that members will be proud of for years to come, something that will stand the test of time,” Wambora said.
Delegates at the AGM unanimously voted to ratifiy and immediately adopt the new constitution, noting that a robust constitution would protect the association from internal wrangles and give it credibility when engaging with government, federations and sponsors.
The SJAK Chairman James Waindi, said the association had grown in membership — with 24 new members since the previous AGM.
The AGM also received reports on membership, finances, and welfare, with the leadership pledging to prioritize training, insurance cover and better working conditions for sports journalists across the country.
Association seeks to broaden members’ understanding beyond football and athletics_
SJAK Hosts Indoor Games Second Edition
After the AGM, SJAK belatedly marked World Sports Day, which falls on July 2, with the second edition of its Indoor Sports Day at Best Western Plus Meridian Hotel in Nairobi on Friday.
The event, incepted last year at Goan Institute, is aimed at helping members of the sports media fraternity appreciate and understand the dynamics of indoor sports beyond football and athletics, which dominate headlines.
SJAK President James Waindi said the indoor games were introduced to complement the association’s longstanding outdoor sports day and to promote all-round journalism.
“Apart from our outdoor sports day program that has a longstanding tradition we introduced the SJAK indoor games last year to help members understand more indoor sports and embrace the culture of all-round journalism,” Waindi said.
“We cannot only write about what we watch. As sports journalists, we must also experience different disciplines to tell better stories. Indoor sports teach strategy, patience and precision — qualities that are also needed in our newsrooms.”
Waindi added that the association wants members to move out of their comfort zones and engage with sports that do not always get media coverage.
“As an association, our responsibility is to broaden the scope of sports reporting in this country. If we understand darts, chess and other indoor games, we will give them the space they deserve,” he said.
“World Sports Day is about participation and inclusion. This indoor day is our way of living that spirit, even if belatedly. Sport is for everyone, and journalism should reflect that.”
The day featured competitions in darts and chess, among other indoor disciplines.
SJAK Treasurer Mukami Wambora emerged the ladies’ winner in darts, while Martin Cheruiyot of KASS FM took the men’s honors.
In chess, SJAK President James Waindi emerged the overall winner, ahead of Anita Omwenga of MyGov, who also clinched the ladies’ title.
The Indoor Games were sponsored by KCB Bank Kenya.
SJAK said it intends to hold an outdoor sports day later in the year, featuring football and fun sports such as egg and sack races, to bring members together in a more relaxed setting.
Members were also granted gift hampers courtesy of leading gaming firm SportPesa.
SJAK- What You Need to Know
The Sports Journalists Association of Kenya (SJAK) is the umbrella professional body and organisation that brings together sports reporters, writers, photographers, broadcasters, commentators, and editors across print, online, and electronic media in Kenya.
The organisation aims to promote high standards of sports journalism and ensures credible, ethical, and impactful sports reporting.
It advocates for the working conditions and professional welfare of its members, including initiatives like wellness medical camps and benevolent support programs.
