Media Council, Brooke East Africa sign pact to revolutionise animal welfare reporting
It marks a clarion call for a new era of journalism - one that amplifies the voiceless and champions the welfare of animals across Kenya
A transformative era for animal welfare journalism has begun with the signing of a landmark agreement between the Media Council of Kenya (MCK) and Brooke East Africa, which is poised to elevate ethical and professional reporting.
MCK CEO David Omwoyo hailed the partnership as a vital step in championing animal rights advocacy.
He called on the media to transcend human-focused narratives and illuminate the public on the urgent need for animal welfare.
“The Council is committed to partnering with organisations that champion critical, yet often neglected, issues. Animal rights advocacy is a cornerstone of a compassionate society, and this collaboration will be a catalyst for change,” Omwoyo declared at the signing of the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Brooke East Africa officials at the Council offices.
Regional Director of Brooke East Africa Dr Raphael Kinoti underscored the media’s power to educate through accurate and impactful reporting. He highlighted a critical gap in research on donkeys, stating, “The media’s vital role cannot be overstated, but we must address the scarcity of knowledge about donkeys. Such insight is essential to advancing animal rights.”
Dr Kinoti revealed that 95 per cent of donkeys support women in domestic and economic tasks, noting women’s greater empathy towards animals. He expressed profound gratitude for the partnership’s potential to transform awareness of donkey welfare.
Brooke East Africa’s Fundraising and Communication Manager Cindy Ogana outlined the partnership’s bold achievements.
“In three dynamic phases, we’ve trained Nairobi journalists to challenge myths and advocate for animal maternity leave, awarded travel grants to 20 journalists to spotlight donkey stories, and sponsored the Animal Welfare category at the 2025 Annual Journalism Excellence Awards (AJEA),” she said.
Looking ahead, Ms Ogana unveiled ambitious plans to expand training to regions like Naivasha, tackling zoonotic disease risks linked to donkeys, and extending the grant programme to more counties.
She celebrated the first phase’s success, noting that journalists now grasp the profound importance of donkeys and their right to a dignified life.
This partnership marks a clarion call for a new era of journalism – one that amplifies the voiceless and champions the welfare of animals across Kenya.
