Sports Journalists Association of Kenya (SJAK) Tuesday marked the Olympic Day by standing with their colleagues who’ve been greatly affected by the Covid-19 pandemic.
Local scribes are among thousands of media practitioners around the world who have either been furloughed, lost their jobs or had their salaries reduced.
As the Kenya government announced a stimulus package for various sectors that included selected sports, there has been no direct financial support for the struggling media industry.
Journalists and staff working for five leading media groups in the country have had their pay slashed by up to 50 per cent due to the coronavirus pandemic.
But the national sports writers body came forward to cushion some of their members and colleagues with food and essential items donation.
In partnership with the Media Council of Kenya, Fidelity Insurance, fellow sports journalists donated foodstuff worth KSh320,000 that was shared by 50 of their colleagues who are most in need during this period.
SJAK president Chris Mbaisi who spearheaded the initiative on a day that is recognized by journalists and athletes across the world said it was important to spread positivity and share the Olympic values during this difficult period.
“It’s our small way of standing with our colleagues during this difficult period as we hope that things ease up soon and sports return after the lockdown and safe containment of the virus countrywide.”
Mbaisi, who is also the Vice President of AIPS Africa, noted that sports news correspondents, photographers and other freelancers have been hard hit by the lockdown triggered by the pandemic.
Olympic Day commemorates the birth of the modern-day Olympic Games and is marked annualy on June 23rd.
