SJAK adopts new constitution, targets stronger governance

Drafted by a seven-member constitutional review committee led by SJAK Treasurer Mukami Wambora, the document was unanimously ratified during the association’s Annual General Meeting (AGM) in Nairobi on Friday.

The new constitution replaces the one that has been in existence since 2014.

SJAK Secretary General Moses Wakhisi highlighted that updating the association's governance framework had been a top priority following resolutions from the previous AGM, emphasising that SJAK could no longer operate under outdated rules.

“The constitutional review process has remained an important institutional matter following discussions and resolutions of the previous AGM,” said Wakhisi.

“A modern association requires a modern governance framework. Our constitution must clearly define responsibilities, protect members' rights, strengthen accountability, provide credible electoral processes and safeguard institutional continuity.

“It should outlive all of us. Our responsibility is therefore to leave SJAK with stronger governance structures than those we inherited. Looking forward, I believe SJAK should concentrate on several strategic priorities.”

The key proposed changes introduce several structural overhauls, including a clearer separation of roles between the National Executive Committee and the Secretariat, defined term limits for office bearers, formal dispute resolution mechanisms, and stricter guidelines governing elections and financial management.

Treasurer Wambora, who chaired the review panel, noted that extensive consultations were held with members across Nairobi and the counties to ensure the document reflects the needs of both capital-based and regional sports journalists.

“It took months of painstaking research to write the new constitution, going through the document line by line. We want something that members will be proud of for years to come, something that will stand the test of time,” Wambora said.

Delegates at the AGM voted unanimously to ratify and immediately adopt the new constitution, noting that a robust governing document would shield the association from internal wrangles and bolster its credibility when engaging with government, sports federations, and sponsors.

SJAK Chairman James Waindi commended the progress, reporting that the association continues to expand, having welcomed 24 new members since the previous AGM.

The AGM also received reports on membership, finances, and welfare, with the leadership pledging to prioritise training, insurance cover and better working conditions for sports journalists across the country.