Kenyan journalist Jackson Okata is the overall winner for Health and Climate Change Journalism Awards 2026.
The award organized by the Media for Environment, Science, Health and Agriculture (MESHA), targeted journalists from East and Southern Africa, including Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, Malawi, Zambia, and Zimbabwe.
The winners were announced on June 24 during the presentation of awards in an event held in partnership with the International Development Research Centre (IDRC) Canada,
Mr Okata’s story; “Sand dams are fighting scarcity and diseases” published by Talk Africa beat 53 other entries in regional awards which celebrated exceptional reporting on the intersection of public health, climate resilience, and environmental shifts across
As a member of the International Federation of Agricultural Journalists (IFAJ) and the World Federation of Science Journalists (WFSJ), MESHA established this initiative to elevate science communication standards across the continent.
Mwanaisha Makumbuli (Highlands FM Radio, Tanzania) secured 1st Runner-Up with her story titled; “Mabadiliko ya Tabia Nchi – Ukataji Miti Holela,” while Simon Chris Makanga (Athari Media Support Africa, Uganda) was named 2nd Runner-Up for the story; “Forced Choices – Climate change rewriting women’s reproductive choices in Karamoja Subregion Uganda”.
Milliam Murigi (Science Africa) took the 3rd Runner-Up prize for her feature, “Climate change now a major public health crisis”.
“These awards aim to incentivize and motivate journalists to attend the Media science cafes, produce accurate, engaging, and impactful research-based stories,” said Aghan Daniel, the Chief Executive Officer, MESHA.
The top ten finalists and special mentions also recognised journalistic contributions from Asha Bekidusa (Willow Health Media), Yvonne Kawira (Willow Health Media), Sammy Waweru (Daily Nation, Kenya), and Christine Ochogo (MESHA, Kenya).
Submissions from Simon Wokorach – Uganda; Philip Muasya – Kenya; Eamon Piringu – Zodiak Broadcasting Station (Malawi) and Patrick Soko, Journalist with the Zambia News and information – Zambia also received standing ovation from the judges.
Rachel Kibui and Godfrey Ombogo, who were members of the judging panel noted that the submissions were evaluated based on thematic relevance, research depth, and storytelling innovation.
“A recurring concern was that many pieces did not clearly establish the nexus between climate change and health. Judges noted the need for stronger explanations of how climate-related changes directly affect health outcomes, communities, and livelihoods,” said Ombogo.
“When journalists accurately translate dense, technical data into clear, human-centered narratives, they dismantle misconceptions, build durable public trust, and equip our citizens with the evidence-based facts necessary to make life-changing decisions,”-TEMESI MUKANI
The virtual event was graced by Temesi Mukani, the Secretary, Information and Broadcasting, Ministry of Information, Communication and Technology.,
Temesi commended MESHA for the consistent mentorship, training, and professional pathways provided to its members, enabling them to thrive in different spheres both locally and internationally.
“When journalists accurately translate dense, technical data into clear, human-centered narratives, they dismantle misconceptions, build durable public trust, and equip our citizens with the evidence-based facts necessary to make life-changing decisions,” he said.
To support regional newsrooms, MESHA CEO Dan Aghan noted that the network and its partners remain committed to providing open access institutional support and data-verification infrastructure to streamline public-interest reporting.
