Journalists from Kisii and Kisumu counties have participated in a football tournament dubbed “Amani Tournament” as a way of promoting peaceful coexistence and the welfare of the scribes.
The tourney is an annual event organised by the Media Council of Kenya in partnership with the Kenya National Commission for the United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO).
Kisii Media FC Captain Job Ongaga scored a second goal through a penalty in the second half as the team secured a 2-0 win against Kisumu Media FC in the match held at Kisii School on the outskirts of Kisii town. Kisii Media FC then proceeded to play UNESCO Youth in a final where the team lost 1-0.
Speaking to the press, Kenya National Commission for UNESCO Acting Director of Information Angela Muchai said the tournament seeks to sensitise the media, youth, and the general public on the need to promote peace in the community.
Ms. Muchai said the activity is part of the preparations for the World Radio Day 2024 national celebrations to be held in Kisii County on Tuesday.
She noted that commercial radio has been in existence for 100 years, and it was worth celebrating 100 years of freedom of expression and access to information through radio.
MCK Media Training and Development Director Victor Bwire said the Council recognises the role that sports play in facilitating national development and peace.
“Sports enables the journalists to come together through the training sessions, and we use it as a platform to campaign for the safety and welfare of the journalists,” said Bwire.
Nation Media Reporter and Kisumu Media FC Captain Rushdie Oudia said the event provided a great bonding session and eased the pressure for the scribes, who on many occasions were always covering stories in the field.
Oudia challenged the journalists from other counties to embrace sports as part of their day-to-day activities to protect their mental health.
On his part, Captain Ongaga lauded MCK and UNESCO for organising the football event and called for further collaboration in future events.
Besides the tournament, MCK provided training and mentorship programmes for students at Kisii School and Kisii University as part of the World Radio Day celebrations.
By Mercy Osongo
