David Omwoyo, the Chief Executive Officer of Kenya's Media Council (MCK), has been elected as the new chairperson of the East African Press Council (EAPC).
Omwoyo's election took place on July 16, during the EAPC's Annual General Meeting held in Arusha, Tanzania. The AGM was part of the ongoing 2nd Pan Africa Media Council Summit, bringing together influential media leaders and policymakers from across the continent.
Joining Omwoyo in the new EAPC executive were Ernest Sungura, Executive Secretary of the Media Council of Tanzania (MCT), and Peter Okello from the Media Council of Uganda (MCU).
In the newly constituted leadership, Omwoyo will serve as the EAPC chairperson, with Sungura taking up the role of Vice Chairperson and Jabweli as the council's new secretary.
Omwoyo was also elected as the Chairperson of the World Association of Press Councils at the same event.
The MCK chief will become the second chairperson of the EAPC, succeeding the founding Chair and former executive director of MCT, Kajubi Mukajanga.
The newly elected officials will be expected to carry out a state-of-the-state media survey in the East African Community(EAC) region.
"The new leadership is expected to, among other things, advocate for harmonised accreditation for EAC member states through the development of a regional media protocol and to undertake a state-of-the-media survey for the region," a statement from the council said.
The elected officials will serve for two years as they steer the regional council towards achieving its 2024-2027 Strategic Plan.
EAPC was established in 2023 to bring together media councils from EAC member States, including Uganda, Kenya, Tanzania, Rwanda, Somalia, and the Democratic Republic of Congo.
EAPC is responsible for strengthening and promoting the institution of independent media regulatory bodies in East Africa
Omwoyo has over 15 years’ experience in journalism, media training and management, spanning the public, private, religious and non-governmental sectors.
