The Media & Communication Awards 2026 – Coast Edition has officially launched in Mombasa, with nominations now open for journalists and communicators.
A new chapter for journalism and communication excellence at the Coast has begun, with the official launch of the Media & Communication Awards (MCA) 2026 – Coast Edition in Mombasa. Nominations are now open, marking the start of what organisers describe as a journey rather than a one-off ceremony.
A New Platform for Coast Media Excellence
The Awards are an initiative of the Mombasa Press Club (MPC) in partnership with Gilitics Media, designed to celebrate journalists, digital content creators, communication professionals and institutions whose work informs the public, shapes opinion, builds trust and drives positive change across coastal communities.
Unlike national media awards, the MCA has been designed specifically to recognise journalists and communicators working within Mombasa and the wider Coast region, complementing existing national recognition programmes while giving greater visibility to regional storytellers. Key focus areas include reporting on the blue economy, tourism, climate change, environmental conservation, governance, public accountability and community development.
Leaders Rally Behind the Initiative
The breakfast launch, held at Hotel Sapphire Mombasa, brought together leaders from government, media, corporate organisations, development partners and the communications profession to unveil the vision behind the Awards.
Mombasa Governor Abdulswamad Shariff Nassir graced the occasion, urging journalists to hold onto the core values of the profession even as technology reshapes the industry. He reaffirmed the county government's commitment to media freedom, describing a strong, independent press as an essential pillar of democratic governance rather than an adversary of government.
Deputy Government Spokesperson Mwanaisha Chidzuga also lent her support to the initiative, calling on journalists and communicators to embrace innovation while safeguarding truth and public trust in their work.
Mvita MP Hon. Mohamed Soud Machele and Jomvu MP Hon. Badi Twalib Bady were also present to support the launch, alongside Media Council of Kenya (MCK) Mombasa Regional Coordinator Maureen Mudi, who welcomed the initiative as a motivator for journalists to uphold professional ethics and deliver quality, public-interest reporting.
Voices Behind the Vision
Mombasa Press Club Chairman Ommy Dallah described the Awards as a major milestone for the coastal media fraternity, giving journalists and communicators a dedicated platform to celebrate their achievements. Gilbert Were, founder of Gilitics Media and CEO of Blue Radio, said the initiative was born out of the need for a regional platform that celebrates excellence while inspiring innovation and professionalism in the media and communication sector.
Nominations Now Open
From the day of the launch, nominations are officially open across the various award categories. Journalists, media houses, communication professionals, public relations practitioners, photographers, videographers, digital content creators, corporate organisations, and government institutions and agencies are invited to submit entries.
Organisers say the Awards aim to encourage ethical journalism and impactful storytelling that reflects the realities and aspirations of coastal communities, while inspiring higher standards across the industry.
Don Sami Live congratulates the Mombasa Press Club and Gilitics Media on this milestone and will keep you updated as the nomination process progresses.