David Omwoyo, the Chief Executive Officer of the Media Council of Kenya (MCK), has been elected as the new chairperson of the East African Press Council (EAPC), becoming the second person to hold the position. He succeeds Kajubi Mukajanga, the founding chair and former Executive Director of the Media Council of Tanzania (MCT).
The announcement was made on July 15, 2025, during a strategic meeting of media regulators from East African Community (EAC) member states held in Arusha, Tanzania, on the sidelines of the second Pan-African Media Councils Summit.
Speaking at the event, Omwoyo emphasized his commitment to promoting “borderless journalism” in the region. “As a first priority, we are working towards cross-border recognition of accreditation to allow media professionals to work in any member country without the need for new accreditation,” he said.
He also pledged to work with the EAC to develop common media standards across the region. This effort aims to enhance regional integration and cooperation in media regulation and professional standards.
Joining Omwoyo in the new leadership team is Ernest Sungura, Executive Secretary of the MCT and Chairperson of the Network of Independent Media Councils in Africa (NIMCA), who was elected Vice Chairperson. Peter Okello from the Media Council of Uganda will serve as Secretary. The trio will serve two-year terms.
Established in 2023, the EAPC unites media councils across the East African region and serves as a regulatory and content moderation body. Under its 2024–2027 Strategic Plan, the Council will focus on five core areas: strengthening independent journalism, embracing media innovation, ensuring the economic viability of media houses, promoting collaborative and diverse journalism, and enhancing the institution’s capacity and influence.
The new leadership is expected to champion the development of a regional media protocol to standardize accreditation and regulation across EAC member states. Additionally, they will undertake a comprehensive state-of-the-media survey to assess the health of journalism in the region.
Omwoyo’s election signals a renewed focus on unity, professionalism, and cross-border cooperation among East Africa’s media players.
