Angela Oketch, a senior health reporter at the Nation Media Group (NMG) was feted for her work in advocating for family planning among the less privileged.
Through her work, policymakers made plans to review the access to contraceptives for minors in Kenya where cases of teenage pregnancies are rampant.
She was honoured at the International Conference on Family Planning (ICFP) held in Pattaya Thailand. The annual event was held between November 14-17.
"I want to dedicate this award to the lives I have positively impacted. Journalism is my passion and gives me fulfillment and purpose in life, thank you all," she stated.
"This is a truly touching and special moment to be honoured with such an award, special thanks to my employer, the Nation Media Group (NMG) for giving me the platform to share such stories," she added.
Oketch also lauded her team at the media house for their support in covering the life-changing stories. She has covered investigative health stories that have helped several Kenyans.
"I believe by telling such compelling stories, those in authority move and avail basic products like contraceptives to public health facilities," Oketch explained.
Furthermore, Oketch noted that the memories of young teenagers and 11-year-olds in Western parts of Kenya put the award together and gave it meaning. She appreciated the chance to share their stories.
"Sites of the helpless young adolescents left with the burden of taking care of their children and outdated beliefs that hinder men and women from planning their families make me stronger every day to share these stories with the world," the reporter remarked.
By use of compelling words to fully bring to life the sad incidents, according to the journalist, captures the attention of the global community.
At the conference, representatives from over 125 countries gathered to launch the world's largest scientific conference on family planning and reproductive health.
They also conferred the Global Humanitarian Awards for Women and Children's Health.
Oketch holds a bachelor's degree in Mass Communication/Media Studies from Tomas Bata University in Zlin, Czech.
Before joining NMG in 2012, she worked at Kenya Broadcasting Corporation (KBC) as a reporter and subsequently trained interns to broadcast in vernacular.
