Media freedom mission for leaders of World Association of Press Councils

David Omwoyo, CEO of the Media Council of Kenya, has been elected President of the World Association of Press Councils (WAPC) , an association of press and media councils dedicated to promoting freedom of expression, independent media and excellence in journalism.

The global solidarity body is committed to upholding high journalistic standards, ensuring that public trust in media is maintained worldwide. As President, Omwoyo will lead the WAPC’s mission to advocate for press freedom, elevate media standards and ensure national laws do not undermine journalistic integrity.

Omwoyo, who was elected on the sidelines of the second Pan-African Media Councils Summit in Arusha, Tanzania, previously served as the WAPC’s Second Vice-President.

Joining Omwoyo in the new leadership are Ali Hancerli from the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus, as First Vice President, Kishor Shrestha from Nepal, as Second Vice-President, Ernest Sungura, Executive Secretary of the Media Council of Tanzania, as Secretary General and Turkey’s Dr Tamer Atabarut as Treasurer.

The newly elected officials will serve a three-year term.

Omwoyo said his leadership will focus on global advocacy, engaging with governments, the United Nations and international bodies such as the African Union and the East Africa Community to promote press freedom

‘This development affirms Kenya’s prominent role and underscores its status as a global thought leader in protecting press freedoms and promoting media inclusivity,’ he said, noting his immediate priorities at the helm of the global media body will be ‘to ensure legislation and policies in member states safeguard professional, free and fair media’.

For East Africa, Omwoyo’s presidency signals Kenya’s leadership in promoting robust media standards across the region.

‘Kenya’s recognition on this global stage reflects our commitment to protecting press freedoms and promoting inclusive media practices,’ Omwoyo said. ‘We will work tirelessly to ensure media remains a pillar of democracy, both in East Africa and beyond.’

Under Omwoyo’s leadership, alongside the newly elected officials, the WAPC is poised to drive transformative change in global media landscapes, ensuring journalism remains a trusted and vital institution.

He assumes the presidency a day after being elected chairman of the East Africa Press Councils.

BY JERRY ABUGA and DINNAH ONDARI

MEDIA COUNCIL OF KENYA

PICTURE: Kishor Shrestha, former Acting Chairman of the Press Council, Nepal, and Editor of the Janaaastha vernacular weekly, published in Kathmandu, celebrates as he is elected Vice-President of the World Press Council in Arusha

This article was first published here