Broadcasting legend Fred Obachi Machoka to mark 50 years in media with national celebration of Kenya’s journalism pioneers

NAIROBI, July 9, 2026 — Celebrated broadcaster Fred Obachi Machoka has announced plans to celebrate his 50-year journey in Kenya’s broadcasting industry through a landmark event that will also honour veteran journalists and broadcasters who have made significant contributions to the country’s media.

Speaking during a press conference at the Media Council of Kenya headquarters in Nairobi on Thursday, Machoka said the celebrations will be organized in partnership with the Media Council of Kenya and will bring together distinguished broadcasters, editors, print journalists and other media professionals from across the country.

Machoka said the initiative goes beyond celebrating his personal milestone and seeks to recognize the pioneers whose voices, faces and storytelling helped shape Kenya’s media industry over the decades.

He expressed concern that many journalists are often forgotten after leaving the profession, saying the industry should develop a culture of honouring retired media practitioners while they are still alive.

“Former journalists have been forgotten ever since they put down the microphone. By remembering them, we teach the younger generation to care about their colleagues even after they leave the newsroom,” Machoka said.

He noted that celebrating media veterans will help preserve Kenya’s broadcasting history while inspiring young journalists to value professionalism, mentorship and solidarity within the industry.

Media council of Kenya Ceo David Omwoyo Said the partnership is aimed at  recognising former journalist and starting the trend of keeping in touch with them even after retirement.

The event is also expected to launch a mentorship programme that will enable experienced journalists and broadcasters to share their knowledge and skills with the next generation of media practitioners.

Among those attending the press briefing were officials from the Media Council of Kenya and senior journalists, who emphasized the need to preserve the country’s rich media heritage by documenting and celebrating the achievements of industry pioneers.

The celebration is expected to bring together current and former journalists from broadcast, print and digital media to honour the individuals whose work has shaped Kenya’s journalism and broadcasting landscape over the past five decades.