Media Council of Kenya (MCK) CEO David Omwoyo has been elected the President of the World Association of Press Councils (WAPC). This international organization brings together press and media councils from around the world to promote press freedom and advocate for responsible and independent journalism.
He was elected on Wednesday, July 16, during the ongoing Pan-African Media Summit in Arusha, Tanzania.
In addition to his WAPC presidency, Omwoyo was also elected the Chairperson of the East African Press Councils (EAPC), taking over from founding chair and former Media Council of Tanzania (MCT) Executive Director, Kajubi Mukajanga.
Speaking after his election, Omwoyo outlined the significance of the role and the responsibility that it carries.
"Being elected as president of the World Association of Press Councils (WAPC) means that I will lead global advocacy to all levels; in-country, United Nations, international Parliaments, the East African Community (EAC) and the African Union to ensure that all legislative action by member states work towards ensuring that the place of professional media is protected, that no action by any member state infringes that," he said.
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Omwoyo noted that the election was not just a personal achievement but a recognition of Kenya’s efforts in promoting press freedom and media inclusivity.
"By being given this position, Kenya has been recognized as a global thought leader in protecting press freedom and media inclusivity," he added.
On his appointment as chair of the EAPC, Omwoyo said that it reflects regional confidence in Kenya’s media standards.
"We (Kenya) also have the leadership of East African Press Councils (EAPC); the people of East African Community have trusted Kenya to take the lead in ensuring that the media standards followed in Kenya can be spread across the region," he stated.
Mr. Omwoyo's election took place during the EAPC's Annual General Meeting held in Arusha, Tanzania.
