OFAB-Kenya Media Awards 2025: Journalists Honoured for Advancing Science Communication
Posted by EDITORIAL
The 2025 OFAB-Kenya Media Awards celebrated journalists for excellence in agricultural biotechnology reporting, with JLC News’ Jim Israel Mwanda among the top winners. MCK CEO David Omwoyo emphasised accuracy and collaboration in science journalism to enhance public trust.
October 23, 2025
Nairobi Kenya
In Summary
- Journalists celebrated for excellence in agricultural biotechnology and science communication at the 9th OFAB-Kenya Media Awards.
- JLC News’ Jim Israel Mwanda named second runner-up for impactful reporting on biotechnology and innovation.
- MCK CEO David Omwoyo urges precision and collaboration in science journalism to strengthen public trust and policy engagement.
The 9th OFAB- Kenya Media Awards 2025
Photo credit: LEAH MUKANGAI
Kenya’s leading science journalists were honoured for their exceptional work in agricultural biotechnology and innovation reporting during the 9th OFAB-Kenya Media Awards held at an Hotel in Nairobi.
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The prestigious awards, organised by the Open Forum on Agricultural Biotechnology in Africa (OFAB-Kenya), recognised outstanding media professionals whose reporting has promoted public understanding of biotechnology, food security, and sustainable development across Africa.
Among the winners was Jim Israel Mwanda of JLC News, who clinched the second runner-up position for his insightful coverage highlighting the role of biotechnology in improving agricultural productivity and resilience amid climate challenges.Other winners included Rosa Agutu of Standard Group, who emerged the overall winner in the Television Category, Mark Mout of North Rift FM, first runner-up in Radio, and Cynthia Masibo of Mt Kenya Times, third runner-up in Print. Their stories reflected the growing relevance of biotechnology and innovation reporting in Africa’s development narrative.
Dr Margaret Karembu, Director of the International Service for the Acquisition of Agri-biotech Applications (ISAAA AfriCenter) and Chair of OFAB-Kenya, applauded journalists for using factual and responsible storytelling to clarify complex scientific concepts.
“Through consistent reporting and fact-checking, journalists have helped dispel myths and reassure the public that science-driven innovations can support food security and sustainable livelihoods,” she said.
David Omwoyo, Chief Executive Officer of the Media Council of Kenya (MCK), emphasised the critical role of science journalism in bridging research and public understanding.
“Science journalism is about connecting complex discoveries to people’s daily lives,” said Mr Omwoyo.“We will continue supporting initiatives that promote accurate, contextual, and evidence-based reporting to build public confidence in science communication.”
Omwoyo also revealed that MCK is considering introducing a dedicated science journalism category in its Annual Journalism Excellence Awards, to recognise exceptional reporting in this emerging field. He further urged journalists to localise science stories, linking research outcomes to real-life community benefits such as higher yields, shorter growing seasons, and climate-smart agriculture.
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Nehemiah Ng’etich, Acting CEO of the National Biosafety Authority (NBA), commended journalists for promoting factual reporting on gene editing, GMOs, and biosafety.
“Reporters need to provide accurate and clear information on complex topics like gene editing and GMOs. This equips policymakers to engage with evidence-based stories rather than rumours. In biosafety, facts are not optional; they are essential for shaping sound policy and responsible innovation,” he noted, adding that the NBA remains committed to deepening partnerships with the media.
The OFAB-Kenya Media Awards, now in their ninth edition, continue to highlight the power of informed journalism in transforming agricultural discourse across Africa. With chapters in Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, Ghana, Malawi, Ethiopia, and Rwanda, OFAB’s regional efforts demonstrate how accurate science reporting fuels innovation and public trust.
By amplifying credible voices and translating complex research into relatable stories, journalists continue to bridge the gap between science and society, shaping Africa’s path toward food security and sustainable development.
