Kenya: KUJ, IFJ hold workshop on young journalists and trade unions

The Kenya Union of Journalists (KUJ) in collaboration with the International Federation of Journalists (IFJ) under the Union To Union (UTU) Project 2025, held a two -day workshop on "Young Journalists and Trade Unions" from 21-22 July, in the capital , Nairobi. The two- workshop, brought together 18 young journalists from various media houses to deliberate on the challenges confronting young journalists to unionise; sensitisation of young journalists on trade unionism; and developing strategies for campaigns and recruitment of young journalists into the KUJ.

Group Picture of the participants at the two-day workshop

Speaking at the Opening Ceremony, the Labour Secretary of the KUJ, Comrade Silus Kiragu, said that the KUJ has placed a high priority on the recruitment of young journalists into the union and have registered some dividends in the past three years. Though there are huge challenges in the media industry in Kenya, there is evidence that there is still a steady flow of young journalists entering the profession, the majority of whom are working online. "Over the past year KUJ had made tremendous achievements in recruiting journalists, mostly young journalists working with international media organisations like the BBC and RFI and at the local level with the Kenya Broadcasting Corporation (KBC) and have been able to sign collective agreements with all these media houses".

The Director of the IFJ Africa Office, Pa Louis Thomasi in his Solidarity Statement said that our unions cannot survive without the consistent recruitment of young journalists who are the lifeblood of the union. "Unions must move away from their old recruitment strategies where recruitment is only limited to the executive members of the union. Noting the current trends and fact that the majority of young journalists coming into the profession are working online, unions must endeavour to ensure that young journalists within their ranks are part of the recruitment and campaigns teams as it is easier for them to recruit their peers". Pa Thomasi called on the young journalists at the workshop to serve as ambassadors for the KUJ, by sensitising their colleagues who are not members of the KUJ about the KUJ and why it is necessary for them as young journalists to join the union.

The Lead trainer at the workshop, trade union expert, Comrade Anthony Githinji told young journalists that it is their fundamental right to join a union of their choice as guaranteed by Article 41 (2) of the Kenya Constitution which states "Every worker has the right to fair remuneration; Reasonable working conditions; and form, join or participate in trade union activities". He guided the participants through various ILO Conventions, notably ILO Conventions 87 and 98 well as ILO Convention 155 on Occupational Health and Safety. He also elaborated on the challenges facing young journalists in Kenya; the role of the union in safeguarding press freedom and designing recruitment campaigns.

The Legal Adviser to the KUJ, Ibrahim Oduor, took the participants through the Employment Act and the issue of contract. He emphasised that young journalists coming into the profession must demand for a contract upon employment.