Nairobi — Kenya is going head-to-head with Ethiopia in a final bid to host one of the continent’s most influential gatherings of journalists and media leaders the 2026 Africa Media Convention.
The decision will be made later this year in Morocco, where the 2025 convention is set to take place. The annual event is a key platform for debate on media freedom, safety, and sustainability across Africa.
Kenya’s campaign is being led jointly by government officials and media stakeholders — a rare display of unity in a sector often marked by tension. The Ministry of Information, Communication and The Digital Economy is expected to front the country’s official bid, backed by top associations such as the Kenya Editors Guild, Kenya Union of Journalists (KUJ), and the Association of Media Women in Kenya.
“Kenya is not taking chances,” said David Omwoyo, CEO of the Media Council of Kenya. “We have a clear, coordinated strategy, and the Ministry is fully on board. This is about putting Kenya on the map as a leader in African journalism.”
Speaking during a planning session in Nairobi, Mr. Omwoyo proposed setting up a central secretariat at the Media Council to manage the bid, handle communications, and ensure all moving parts stay in sync.
He stressed that visibility will be critical. A high-profile event is planned on the sidelines of this year’s convention in Morocco to raise Kenya’s profile and make the case for Nairobi as a host city.
“We’ll be making noise in the right way,” he added. “It’s about showing the depth and diversity of Kenya’s media sector, from training and regulation to digital innovation.”
KUJ Secretary General Eric Oduor echoed the need for a strong technical presentation. “We need to sell Kenya, not just as a host, but as a media capital for Africa,” he said. He also suggested that early discussions begin on a compelling theme for the 2026 edition.
Winning the bid would be a coup for Kenya, both diplomatically and economically. Hosting the convention could draw hundreds of delegates and media professionals, giving a boost to tourism and local businesses. It would also spotlight Kenya’s growing influence in continental media, especially at a time when press freedoms and digital access remain under pressure in parts of Africa.
“This isn’t just a media event,” said one official at the Kenyatta International Convention Centre, which would likely serve as the venue. “It’s an opportunity to show who we are and where we’re going.”
For now, all eyes turn to Morocco, where the official pitch will be made. Ethiopia may be a formidable contender, but Kenya is betting that its media sector’s energy, openness and ambition will give it the edge.
The 2026 Africa Media Convention host is expected to be announced by the end of this year.
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