Football Kenya Federation (FKF) wrangles with Sports Journalist Association of Kenya (SJAK) came to an end today.
The two parties disagreed over accreditation and the 32 days black out with FKF activities in protest ended in harmony.
FKF President Nick Mwendwa and Secretary Barry Otieno held a lengthy meeting with SJAK officials to iron out the problems.
SJAK President Chris Mbaisi, Secretary General Mike Okinyi and a host of other officials represented the association in the meeting where FKF ceded ground and promised to stop an emerging trend of harassment on sports journalists in their line of duty
“FKF and SJAK discussed the issues that led to some journalists being locked out of a league match pitting Gor Mahia against Ulinzi Stars. The parties agreed on a working formula where FKF will facilitate the journalists to cover matches and SJAK will ensure that all journalists abide by the set rules and regulations of accreditation,” said a statement issued by SJAK and copied to the Media Council of Kenya (MCK).
“Following the fruitful meeting, SJAK agreed to lift the ban on coverage of FKF activities immediately. The parties also discussed other areas of cooperation and will update on the developments at the appropriate time,” added the statement.
SJAK Secretary General Mike Okinyi said that both parties agreed on a proper channel of communication which would be used to sort out arising issues amicably.
“Journalists have to follow laid down procedures when covering matches and we have also agreed on other modalities of working together going forward. The issue has now been sorted and the coverage resumes,” said Okinyi.