Coronavirus: Kenya sports journalists body supports members amid covid-19
Nairobi, Kenya (PANA)-Sports Journalists Association of Kenya (SJAK) have cushioned members against the impact of coronavirus, offered relief food to members who have either been furloughed, lost their jobs or took pay cuts.
Kenyan sports journalists are among media workers badly hit by the pandemic.
As the Kenya government announced a stimulus package for various sectors that included selected athletes, there has been no direct 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 percent due to the disease.
SJAK said it decided to come forward and cushion some of their members and colleagues with food and essential items.
In partnership with the Media Council of Kenya, Fidelity Insurance and fellow sports journalists from around the world, SJAK raised $3,200.
The money was to purchase various foodstuffs for 50 sports scribes who are most in need during this period, said SJAK president Chris Mbaisi, who spearheaded the initiative to coincide with the recent Olympic Day celebrations.
The day is recognized by journalists and athletes across the world, who use it 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 said.
-0- PANA DJ/AR 29June2020
