Erick Oduor wins second term as Kenya Union of Journalists Secretary General

The Kenya Union of Journalists (KUJ) has concluded its national elections in Nairobi with Erick Oduor securing a fresh five-year mandate to lead the trade union. The election, which took place during a members' meeting on Saturday, January 31, 2026, saw the incumbent retain the influential Secretary General position. This outcome ensures continuity in the leadership of the country’s primary representative body for media workers at a time when the industry faces shifting regulatory and economic pressures.

During the session, delegates also elected a new Executive Council and several committee members to oversee the union’s operations through 2031. Oduor’s second term begins as the media sector grapples with persistent challenges, including the delayed payment of salaries and the evolving nature of digital news production. In his acceptance speech, Oduor thanked the membership for their trust and reaffirmed a commitment to addressing the exploitation of media workers by certain employers.

A primary focus for the new term involves the upcoming general elections. The KUJ leadership has signaled that media preparedness is a priority to ensure the public receives verified and timely information. The union is currently working with the Kenya Media Sector Working Group to refresh a Memorandum of Understanding with the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC). This agreement aims to streamline information sharing and safety protocols for field reporters during high-stakes political coverage.

Beyond electoral matters, the union plans to launch an Election Preparedness Plan later this year. This initiative follows consultations with the Kenya Editors Guild, the Media Council of Kenya, and various media owners. The strategy is designed to provide a framework for journalists to navigate the 2027 polls while maintaining professional standards. Improving the general welfare and working conditions of journalists remains a central pillar of the union’s agenda for the next half-decade.

The KUJ remains a critical stakeholder in the local infrastructure of information, often acting as a bridge between media professionals and state agencies. Under Oduor's leadership, the union has been active in advocating for a national remuneration policy to stabilize the industry. With the new Executive Council now in place, the organization is expected to intensify its efforts in collective bargaining and legal aid for its members across all 47 counties.