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By Isabella Maua
Journalists have been challenged to not only focus on reporting but also take responsibility for actively taking part in the climate change agenda.
These were the sentiments of Benson Lusenaka as he assumed office for the second term as the re-elected chair of the Kenya Correspondents Association, Western Chapter.
In his acceptance speech, Lusenaka pledged to lead the KCA Western team in reclaiming the larger Mt. Elgon forest cover and the River Lwakhakha, which originates from the region and pours its water into Lake Victoria.
“I will mobilise my team to vigilantly support climate change mitigation by championing the planting of environmentally friendly tree species and bamboos along river lines,” expounded Lusenaka.
This, he observed, would also be a strategic way to catalyse their funding proposals for potential donors.
In his congratulatory message to the newly elected officials, KCA National Chairperson William Oloo Janak emphasised the importance of devolving KCA functions.
“Western Chapter is the most vibrant of all our chapters in the country, and we’re glad that the fruits of devolution have been witnessed; we want to see all other services taking this direction as we’re slowly moving away from centralization,” mentioned Janak.
He also mentioned that KCA is soon enacting a bill to protect journalists from sexual harassment.
“Many journalists have left the industry because of sexual harassment, especially the ones who are new, and this should cease.As KCA, we shall not watch this vice kill people’s careers,” reiterated Janak.
In the tightly contested elections, Benson Lusenaka retained the chairperson’s position, Daniel Nabwayo captured the vice chairperson’s seat, Elias Iteba was secretary, Dorine Omina was assistant secretary, Lilian Wafula was a female committee member, and Ambrose Simotwo was a male committee member.
