Kenya’s media history is set for a major moment of recognition as the Media Council of Kenya (MCK), together with the Joint Steering Committee, invites applications for an independent jury that will select veteran journalists and broadcasters to be honoured during Fred Obachi Machoka’s 50th anniversary in the broadcasting industry.
The initiative will celebrate Machoka’s five decades behind the microphone while also recognising other legendary radio voices, journalists and media professionals whose careers have helped shape Kenya’s media and cultural landscape.
The independent jury will be tasked with overseeing the entire recognition process, with organisers seeking to ensure that the selection of honourees is fair, transparent and based on clear standards.
The ad-hoc panel will assess and vet nominations from both the broadcast and print sectors before recommending the final list of media veterans who will be honoured during the anniversary celebrations.
Among its key duties will be developing and improving the criteria used to assess nominees, reviewing submissions and ensuring that the final selection is based on a fair and careful process.
“Jury members will serve on an ad-hoc, independent panel responsible for reviewing and vetting nominations, assessing submitted nominations of media veterans in broadcast and print, setting evaluation criteria, refining the criteria for recognition, final selection and recommending the final list of honourees who will be recognised at the celebration event,” the organising committee explained.
The panel will also have a wider responsibility beyond choosing the honourees, as it will help preserve the history of Kenya’s media industry by documenting the careers and achievements of those selected.
The organisers said brief profiles of the media legends will be prepared for archival and publishing purposes, providing a lasting record of their contribution to the sector.
“Preserving Media History: Assisting in documenting the brief profiles and achievements of the selected legends for archival and publishing purposes,” the committee said.
Applicants seeking to join the jury must have wide professional experience and a strong understanding of the development of Kenya’s media industry.
The organisers are looking for distinguished professionals with between 10 and 15 years of experience in journalism, media production, academia or cultural heritage management.
They must also have knowledge of how Kenya’s media sector has developed from the post-independence period to the present.
Integrity and impartiality will be central to the selection of jury members. Applicants are expected to meet high ethical standards and should not have active commercial or personal conflicts of interest involving people who may be nominated for recognition.
Those chosen will also be required to take part in evaluation meetings planned between August 31 and September 12, 2026.
The organisers said serving on the panel should be viewed as a form of civic and professional service because of its role in recognising media pioneers and preserving their contribution to the country.
“Serving on this jury is a civic and professional service aimed at honouring Kenya's media pioneers and preserving the nation's media heritage.”
Those interested in joining the panel must complete an application form and submit a three-page curriculum vitae.
Applicants will also be required to provide a 500-word statement explaining why they want to serve on the jury and outlining their views on preserving Kenya’s media heritage.
Applications must be submitted by August 25, 2026.
The jury will be established ahead of celebrations marking Machoka’s 50 years in broadcasting. Popularly known as Uncle Fred, the veteran broadcaster has spent five decades in Kenya’s media industry and established himself as one of the country’s recognisable broadcasting voices.
The anniversary will offer an opportunity to reflect on Machoka’s long career while also bringing attention to other media professionals whose work has helped shape the country’s journalism and broadcasting history.
Through the independent panel, the organisers hope to create a credible process for identifying media veterans worthy of recognition while also keeping a lasting record of their careers and achievements.
The initiative will therefore combine the celebration of established media figures with efforts to preserve the story of Kenya’s media industry and the people who have contributed to its development over the past five decades.