Nairobi: The Sports Journalists Association of Kenya (SJAK) has adopted a new constitution aimed at strengthening governance, accountability and member protection. The document, prepared by a seven-member Constitution Review Committee led by SJAK Treasurer Mukami Wambora, was ratified during the association’s Annual General Meeting (AGM) on August 14, held in Nairobi.
According to Kenya News Agency, the new constitution replaces the one that has been in existence since 2014. SJAK Secretary-General Moses Wakhisi emphasized that the review process had been a priority following resolutions of the previous AGM, asserting that the association could not afford to continue operating under outdated rules. Wakhisi highlighted the need for a modern governance framework that clearly defines responsibilities, protects members’ rights, strengthens accountability, provides credible electoral processes, and safeguards institutional continuity.
Key changes in the new constitution include a clearer separation of roles between the National Executive Committee and the secretariat, term limits for office bearers, a dispute resolution mechanism, and stricter guidelines on elections and financial management. Wambora, who chaired the review panel, stated that consultations were conducted with members to ensure the document reflects the needs of the majority of journalists in the association.
Delegates at the AGM unanimously voted to ratify and immediately adopt the new constitution, recognizing that a robust constitutional framework would protect the association from internal conflicts and enhance its credibility when engaging with the Government, federations, and sponsors. SJAK Chairman James Waindi noted the association’s growth, with 24 new members joining since the previous AGM, and emphasized the importance of prioritizing the holistic health of members by organizing free medical camps to monitor their general physical and mental well-being.
Additionally, the association held its second indoor games as part of an initiative to broaden members’ understanding of sports beyond football and athletics. Waindi explained that the indoor games were introduced to complement the association’s longstanding outdoor sports day and promote all-round journalism. The event featured competitions in darts and chess, among other indoor disciplines, with Mukami Wambora and Martin Cheruiyot winning in darts, while James Waindi and Anita Omwenga excelled in chess. Sponsored by KCB Bank Kenya, the indoor games aim to help members appreciate and understand the dynamics of indoor sports beyond those that typically dominate headlines.
