TV47’s correspondent from Meru County John Javar Kiania has been elected as the Secretary of the Meru Press Club.

Elections for the 10 posts were held on Saturday, January 20 at the Meru Press Club offices in Meru town.

Kiania will hold the secretarial position for a period of three years.

David Muchui from Nation Media Group retained his position as chair alongside his deputy Dorcas Mbatia.

Other incoming officials include; John Nthiga (Organising Secretary), Edward Muriuki (Treasury), Cedrin Kawiria (Welfare Treasurer), Lynette Kinoti (Welfare Secretary) among others.

The Meru Press Club is a media association registered under the Media Council of Kenya after meeting all requirements for associations.

It is composed of more than 60 members who majorly operate within Meru and Nairobi counties. The association’s management comprises of four executive members and six other elected positions.

Its executive members include; Moses Mung’atia (Tuliza FM), Gitonga Marete (Nation), Phoebe Okall (Interior CS Press team) and Gregory Muriithi of Citizen TV.

Meru Press Club prides itself in advocating for freedom and welfare of journalists operating in the county.

In May 2022, the association launched its five-year strategic plan entailing; empowerment of its members economically, liaising with organizations for grants and donor funding among other milestones.

Speaking during the event, its Chair David Muchui noted that poor remuneration, sacking of journalists and impact of Covid-19 brought about the idea to establish the club.

“Some politicians capitalize on popularizing themselves in electioneering period. We are aware some even hire goons to attack journalists who they feel are not aligned to them or aired a story that does not favour them,” he added.