Sports journalism in Kenya is synonymous with Mike Okinyi. His in-depth knowledge of matters sports- both local and international-and experience has earned him a place among the best if not the best sports journalists in the country. He has risen through the ranks from sports news presenter to a sports editor at Citizen TV.
Here is his story as told by WoK
Education
He studied broadcast journalism at the University of Nairobi.
Career
Mike has been a sports editor at Citizen TV for a period of 11 years now. He was elevated to this enviable position in March 2010. Apart from this, he has also authored several articles related to sporting activities in Kenya. The articles provide deep insights into volleyball, football and boxing among others.
The sports anchor also doubles as a moderator. In January 2019, Okinyi was appointed by the World Athletics Under 20 Championship as the Media Broadcast and Communication Director.
He was appointed by former Sports, Culture and Heritage Cabinet Secretary Rashid Echesa, right before he was fired as a CS.
Rashid also appointed Chris Mbaisi, the president of Sports Journalists’ Association of Kenya (SJAK) to deputise Mike Okinyi.
The two were to be part of the committee appointed to host the 2020 International Association of Athletics Federation (IAAF)World Under 20 Championships. The committee’s function was to offer the best high-level organizational standards for the hosting of the world championships in Nairobi.
Wife/Personal life
The journalist is married to Dorothy Okeyo-Okinyi. In 2015, he announced the loss of his son, Twani Kitwana via Twitter. He died from sickle cell anaemia complications.
“ It is with great sadness that I announce the demise of my boy Twani Kitwani…..he was a fighter but lost the battle today,” he tweeted.
Video courtesy of Citizen TV
Fellow journalists and Kenyans sent their condolences for his loss.
Awards
In 2009, he got the TV journalist of the year at the FOYA (Football of the Year Award) Awards. This is also known as the KPL award which is meant to honor association football players, coaches, officials and journalists participating in the Kenya Premier League.
In 2015, he was awarded the Mohamed Amin Africa Awards (MAAMAs) in the Best sports Content Category. He received the award together with fellow journalist Wahiga Mwaura.
Demotion
According to online sources, Mike Okinyi was demoted from his position for what has been termed as “toxic work culture”. His position was reportedly taken by Isaac Swila.
Blogger Cyprian Nyakundi took to X to share Okinyi’s woes,
Veteran journalist Mike Okinyi demoted to a reporting role at RMS amid reports of a toxic work culture in his department.
Isaac Swila appointed as new Sports Editor for Citizen TV and Radio Citizen.
Okinyi joined RMS in 2009 and was one of the country's most prominent faces in… pic.twitter.com/0ge35RKhUo
— Cyprian, Is Nyakundi (@C_NyaKundiH) March 6, 2024
