Kakamega: Journalists in Kakamega have formed a Savings and Credit Cooperative Society (SACCO) to support themselves in the ever-changing media environment that is leading to massive job losses. The Sacco, to be known as Kakamega Media Savings and Credit Cooperative Society (KAMSACCO), will provide savings and investment opportunities for journalists with irregular incomes.
According to Kenya News Agency, the Chairperson of the Kakamega Rural Media Gatekeepers (RUMEG), Cyrus Akhonya, noted that with the Sacco, journalists will not strain to look for finances for their own empowerment when they face challenges. He highlighted the current financial struggles faced by media houses and emphasized the need for journalists in Kakamega to prepare themselves for these challenges.
The Chairperson of the Kakamega Journalists Welfare Association, Hilton Otenyo, speaking during a meeting with journalists from Kakamega County, stated that journalists will be able to borrow funds from the Sacco according to their shares and benefit from other products that would be introduced as the Sacco expands. Otenyo pointed out the difficulties faced by journalists employed on contract terms, including delayed salaries, which hinder their ability to secure loans from financial institutions.
Otenyo urged journalists to generate ideas for self-empowerment and reduce dependency on media job incomes for stability. He stressed the potential of the Sacco to access empowerment funds from both county and national governments, which could significantly transform the lives of journalists in Kakamega.
Furthermore, Otenyo encouraged adaptation to the changing media landscape, including the rise of social media, citizen journalism, and Artificial Intelligence (AI). He warned that AI might displace many journalists unless they develop skills to perform tasks that AI cannot, suggesting a shift toward solution journalism to maintain relevance.
Plans are underway to seek support from the Media Council of Kenya (MCK) to establish a media center in Kakamega, providing journalists with a space to file their stories.