Mombasa: Governor Abdulswamad Nassir has thrown his weight behind the newly launched Media and Communication Awards (MAC) 2026, proposing a dedicated category to promote Mombasa’s image across print, broadcast, photography, and digital platforms. The awards, which aim to recognize excellence in journalism and digital communication, are the brainchild of Gilitics Media and the Mombasa Press Club.
According to Kenya News Agency, the MAC Awards will operate under 25 categories covering various aspects of journalism and digital communication excellence, ranging from Best Investigative Story and Journalist of the Year to Best NGO Digital Campaign and Best Crisis Communication Response. The awards rollout will proceed in phases, starting with submissions in July and August, followed by screening and adjudication in September, and concluding with public voting in October. The process will culminate in an industry workshop focusing on journalism, digital storytelling, and AI in media, leading up to the grand awards gala expected between October and November.
The awards are funded through a combination of sponsorship, ticketing, and event activations, with sponsorship packages ranging from Sh400,000 to over Sh2.5 million, alongside corporate gala tables and individual tickets. Governor Nassir expressed his desire for a category that focuses on marketing Mombasa, highlighting the county’s logistics, tourism, and other sectors. He emphasized the importance of promoting the county, saying, ‘I think selling Mombasa as Mombasa does not necessarily mean selling an individual. But we are selling our county, Mombasa Ni yetu. It is where we all are, it is where we all belong.’
Governor Nassir also reflected on his decision to distance himself from his radio station, Radio Rahma, upon entering politics to avoid conflicts of interest-a choice he continues to uphold. He called on journalists to adhere to the timeless principles of the profession: accuracy, verification, and context, warning against the trend of prioritizing speed over accuracy in the fast-paced world of digital and citizen journalism.
Jomvu MP Badi Twalib highlighted the evolving role of media, noting its impact on community understanding and engagement with global events. He emphasized the responsibility of journalists, editors, and content creators to hold power accountable and give voice to otherwise unheard experiences, describing their work as essential nation-building. Twalib urged media professionals to prioritize fairness and truth over speed and popularity during the awards season.
Deputy Government Spokesperson Mwanaisha Chidzuga encouraged organizations to explore opportunities for journalists beyond traditional newsrooms, emphasizing their valuable skills in content creation, editing, photography, and videography. ‘Journalists don’t belong in the newsroom alone. We have skills, we are talented, and we can give advice. If there’s an opportunity in your organisation, please give them an opportunity,’ Chidzuga said.
