Robi Koki Ochieng Elected to Lead AMWIK in Push for Media Reform and Gender Advocacy
NAIROBI — The Association of Media Women in Kenya (AMWIK) has elected a new board to guide its agenda through 2027, with Robi Koki Ochieng taking the helm as chairperson. Her leadership begins at a pivotal moment as the organization works to build on hard-fought gains in gender advocacy, media safety, and institutional reform.
The elections were held on June 28 during AMWIK’s Annual General Meeting in Nairobi. Members chose a fresh team to steer the organization through the next two years, with a commitment to governance reform, press freedom, and the rights of women in journalism.
In her acceptance speech, Koki promised to prioritize ethical leadership and inclusive decision-making. “Our focus is to strengthen governance, secure sustainable funding, and invest in member growth,” she said. “We are committed to creating space for every media woman to lead and excel.”
Koki will be supported by Vice Chairperson Elizabeth Limagur. Joyce Mbataru will serve as treasurer, while investigative journalist Mary Mwendwa, corporate communicator Lynn Nzambi, and senior reporter Nancy Agutu round out the board.
Outgoing Chairperson Dr. Jane Thuo reflected on the challenges she faced when she took office in 2021. “We inherited a struggling organization donor confidence was low and financial uncertainty was a constant,” she said. “Through reforms and restructuring, we stabilized operations and increased funding by 260%.”
Dr. Thuo cited constitutional amendments, expanded membership, and new organizational policies as key milestones of her tenure. She urged the incoming board to push for the acquisition of permanent office space and continue expanding services for members.
Executive Director Queenter Mbori also presented AMWIK’s 2024 report, which detailed progress and persistent challenges. “It was a year of disruption, but also of deep impact,” she said.
In 2024, AMWIK responded to attacks on journalists during anti-Finance Bill protests and launched initiatives to support female reporters facing gender-based violence. The group’s G7 Women Governors Initiative and advocacy for the two-thirds gender rule gained national traction. The GBV helpline launched by the group served as a key support tool for survivors.
The organization reported Ksh27.4 million in assets at the close of 2024. This enabled training programs like the USAID USAWA initiative, which equipped 139 journalists with skills to report on health issues. The findings from AMWIK’s newsroom harassment report, which revealed that 60% of media workers had faced sexual harassment, sparked a nationwide debate on workplace safety and accountability.
Koki’s incoming board plans to escalate advocacy for digital safety, media freedom, and stronger legal protections for journalists especially women working online, where abuse continues to rise.
Founded in 1982, AMWIK remains a leading voice for gender-sensitive journalism in Kenya. The new board takes over with a clear roadmap and an urgent mission: defend the rights of women in media, promote truthful storytelling, and protect the future of free expression.
