The Africa Uncensored team and its collaborators were among the standout winners and finalists at this year’s Annual Media Excellence Awards (AMEA), earning recognition for investigations that tackled some of Africa’s most pressing issues—from agriculture and environmental degradation to land injustice and gender-based exploitation.
“Celebrating journalistic excellence remains one of our core commitments at the Media Council of Kenya,” said David Omwoyo. “You have been the eyes and ears of the nation, faithfully documenting events at home and abroad with accuracy and courage.”
Speaking during the awards ceremony, Cabinet Secretary for Tourism and Wildlife Rebecca Miano underscored the central role of journalism in strengthening democracy, noting that a free and ethical press remains essential to accountability, transparency, and informed public discourse.
Seeds Syndicate Wins Agriculture Reporting Award
In the Agriculture Reporting category, The Seeds Syndicate took top honours.
Produced by Cynthia Gichiri under the Bertha Foundation, the two-part investigation examined how powerful corporate and policy interests are reshaping Africa’s seed systems, raising urgent questions about farmers’ rights, biodiversity, and seed sovereignty. The documentary was filmed by Samuel Munia and edited by Samson Njuru.
“I’m very happy to receive this award,” said Cynthia Gichiri. “This was a highly technical and complex story, and one of the most challenging investigations I have worked on. It is a reminder of the power of storytelling to illuminate critical issues affecting farmers and food production. This recognition encourages our team to continue producing stories that matter, even when the work becomes difficult.”
Linda Ngari Recognized for Cross-Border Investigation
Investigative journalist Linda Ngari was recognized for The Congo Story, a two-part investigation titled Carbon Credits in the Congo: The Cost of Capture, published by Africa Uncensored in collaboration with the Pulitzer Center.
The cross-border investigation examined the environmental and human cost of mineral extraction in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, tracing the links between mining, deforestation, pollution, and the global demand for critical minerals.
“I’m grateful that the judges found the story worthy of recognition,” said Linda Ngari. “Investigating the carbon credits market in the DRC was a major learning experience. This work was made possible by editors from the Pulitzer Center and Africa Uncensored, who helped turn a complex issue into a comprehensive and accessible story about people in power and Indigenous communities who often bear the greatest cost.”
The Legacy of Loss Named First Runner-Up
Africa Uncensored also received recognition in the Follow-Up Reporting category, where The Legacy of Loss was named first runner-up.
Produced by Joy Kirigia and Samuel Munia, the documentary revisited communities featured in Title Deeds, Africa Uncensored’s award-winning investigative series published in partnership with The Elephant. The series exposed systemic land grabbing, fraudulent title deeds, and entrenched corruption within Kenya’s land administration system.
Edited by John Gathuna, The Legacy of Loss demonstrated the enduring power of follow-up journalism in holding institutions accountable long after the original exposé.
App Trapped Earns First Runner-Up in Digital Economy Reporting
App Trapped: Digital Debt, Default and Distress was named first runner-up in the Digital Economy and Innovation Reporting category at the Annual Media Excellence Awards.
Produced by Cynthia Gichiri in partnership with DW Akademie, filmed by Samuel Munia, and edited by John Gathuna, the documentary exposes the hidden human cost of Kenya’s booming digital lending industry.
The investigation follows borrowers from Kibera to Kisumu, revealing how instant mobile loans have trapped thousands of low-income earners and unemployed youth in cycles of debt, default, and emotional distress.
It documents predatory lending practices, including exorbitant interest rates, invasive data harvesting, and public “debt shaming,” in which lenders contact relatives, friends, and employers to pressure borrowers into repayment.
Samuel Munia Named First Runner-Up in Videographer of the Year
In the Videographer of the Year category, Samuel Munia was named first runner-up for his cinematography in two acclaimed documentaries.
Sex for Gold, produced by Tracy Bonareri, exposed the sexual exploitation of women in artisanal gold-mining communities, where many are forced to trade sex for access to gold.
The Seeds Syndicate, produced by Cynthia Gichiri, further highlighted his contribution to high-impact investigative storytelling.
The documentaries were edited through the collaborative efforts of Samson Njuru, Kevin Ndegwa, and John Gathuna.
Commitment to Public Interest Journalism
“Congratulations to all the teams whose hard work, determination, and courage made these achievements possible,” said Eunice Kendi. “Africa Uncensored remains committed to supporting journalists and film-makers in producing stories that matter to the public. The organization continues to earn local and international recognition because of its dedication to public interest journalism.”
These award-winning investigative documentaries are available in Africa Uncensored’s YouTube channel, where they continue to inform audiences and spark conversations on accountability, environmental justice, agriculture, land rights, and human rights across Africa.
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