Kenyan journalists celebrate climate reporting wins at IGAD Media Awards 2025
According to organisers, the 2026 IGAD Media Awards will be hosted in Uganda, continuing the tradition of rotating the ceremony across member states.
The 2025 IGAD Media Awards ceremony was held in Addis Ababa on Sunday, with seven Kenyan journalists among those celebrated, highlighting the country’s strong showing in a regional programme recognising journalistic excellence across the Horn of Africa.
The Kenyan winners were honoured in key categories, including TV production, radio, print, photography, gender-responsive reporting, and Media Personality of the Year, a category in which two Kenyans were awarded.
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They were among 18 winners from across IGAD member states, selected for their work in highlighting issues such as climate change, peacebuilding, migration, regional integration, and gender equality.
Trophies and gold medals
The winners received trophies and gold medals in recognition of their contributions. According to IGAD, they will also receive token prizes, accreditation to IGAD high-level events, a two-day masterclass on climate journalism, and access to IGAD experts and partner networks for future collaboration.
Held under the theme “Storytelling for Climate Action: For a Secure, Resilient, and Stable Region,” this year’s edition placed special emphasis on journalism that advances public understanding of climate-related challenges facing the region.
"The IGAD Media Awards 2025 focuses on one of the most urgent challenges of our time—climate change. As the IGAD region faces increasing threats from drought, floods, desertification, and food insecurity, the Awards call upon journalists and media creators to shape bold narratives for climate resilience," the awards’ website reads.
Officials applauded journalists for their work in promoting regional dialogue and supporting IGAD’s key goals, including peace, security, and climate resilience.
IGAD Executive Secretary Workneh Gebeyehu emphasised that accurate, ethical reporting is crucial for informing public policy and maintaining stability.
Clarity and defiance
"We honour you as journalists, storytellers, and content creators; the custodians of our shared story. In a world where external narratives often overshadow African voices, you have stepped forward with clarity and defiance, insisting that our stories be told by us, for us," said Workneh in his opening statement.
"That resolve is transformative. It is restorative. It is an act of regional self-determination."
Now in its third edition, the IGAD Media Awards have grown into a major platform for recognising impactful journalism and encouraging cross-border collaboration among media professionals.
According to organisers, the 2026 IGAD Media Awards will be hosted in Uganda, continuing the tradition of rotating the ceremony across member states.
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