Celebrating 7 years
Hello!
Thanks for signing in today. First, a quick explanation about our silence. We have been working on a lot of content these past few months, and have been considering a revamp of our newsletter to make it more attentive to what you want to know. Over the next few editions, we'll be seeking your thoughts on what you want in our newsletter and across our content platforms, so please help us!
We are also on the cusp of an important milestone on our YouTube channel. As at this edition of the deep dive, we are at 98,900 subscribers on our YouTube channel, and are eager to get to the 100,000 thresholds. The number in itself is an important one for us because it signifies a belief in our work and the slow but steady growth in reach of our content across Africa. If you know someone who hasn't yet subscribed, let them know about us.
This edition is, in part, about our journey as a team. We are celebrating some of the wins we have had over the past 7 years. These include the African Prize for Investigative Journalism (PAJI) 2023 for our story, Ghetto Gava, produced by Joy Kirigia and Sam Munia.
With the International Press Freedom Day around the corner, and in spite of the chaotic state of global affairs at the moment, these reflections are giving us a chance to take a breath before charging ahead.
Dive in and come along with us!
PAJI Investigative Journalism Awards 2023
The African Prize for Investigative Journalism (PAJI) is an annual award that honors the productions of journalists who have shown courage and determination in their work and also adhered to higher journalistic standards and deontological principles.
Thank you PAJI awards jury for recognizing and appreciating our in-depth and investigative journalism. Ghetto Gava, produced by Joy Kirigia and Sam Munia is an investigative story that exposes water and electricity cartels in Nairobi. It unmasks the Kenya's underworld City cartels-slum lords that work in cahoots with some rogue government officials in denying basic commodities.
Ghetto Gava story is not just a Kenyan problem, it’s an African problem, it’s a global problem; It’s Evident in India, In Nigeria, South Africa among other Countries. We must therefore as journalists continue to demand for better leadership, expose corruption, demand justice and be the voice of the voice less.
Investigative journalism plays a pivotal role of exposing corruption and fighting against impunity. Africa needs a financially and editorially empowered independent media to ensure transparency and accountability.
At Africa Uncensored, our mantra has always been to Investigate, Expose and Empower. Teamwork wins!
To PAJI, thank you for appreciating and rewarding good journalism.
God bless Africa.
Joy Kirigia and Sam Munia on winning the PAJI 2023 Award…
It is an honor to be one of the winners of the African Prize for Investigative Journalism (PAJI), 2023. This is a recognition not only of our work at Africa Uncensored but also of the essential role that journalism plays in our society. Investigative journalism is no easy feat. It demands a firm dedication to the truth, an intense curiosity and a relentless spirit. Working on Ghetto Gava, a four-part investigative series exposing illegal electricity and water connections in Kenyan slums wasn't easy. But through the help of some bold individuals who risked their lives to expose the truth, we were able to tell what I believe is a powerful story.
To the Huyo team, thank you for your unwavering zeal in exposing wrongdoing and putting a face on corruption. I would also like to express my appreciation to our editorial director for entrusting us with this assignment. To my co-producer, video editor and all my other colleagues, thank you for your support throughout this production. Lastly, I would like to dedicate this award to all those who shared and entrusted us with their stories. Without their courage and voices, Ghetto Gava would not have been possible.
Calvin Rock’s reflection on Africa Uncensored
It is often said that there are three sides to any story: your side, my side, and the truth. At Africa Uncensored, based on the three pillars, investigate, expose, and empower, we proactively and at great lengths endeavor to stand on the truth's side of the story while not forgetting either of the other sides. As ever, we are dedicated to always bring you in-depth, balanced, and impactful stories that not only matter to you but also speak of our commitment to - you guessed it, the truth!
Recently, I marked my second year at Africa Uncensored, and now, as a part of the outlet you trust, I can tell you that Africa Uncensored is everything you believe it is. Our independence is of near unparalleled proportion. But I guess you already know that. What you may not know is our profound efforts and sacrifices to bring you the stories that matter. As I have come to learn, the team here selflessly and diligently goes out of their way for the stories that are important to you. Many of these have earned recognition in global, regional, and local awards. Barely a year into my work here, I won a continental award in the Africa Climate Change and Environmental Reporting Awards in Kigali, Rwanda. Not to mention, our CEO, John-Allan Namu, also bagged the Human Rights Defender award in 2022. All testament to the dedication of the amazing team. Yet, we acknowledge that these feats would not have been possible without you.
Happy 7th Anniversary team AUC! You can watch our award-winning stories on our YouTube Channel.
Cheers!