Yunis Dekow Surpasses Kimiyu of Daily Nation in Crime Journalist Association Race
Nairobi – In a tightly contested battle for the coveted position of treasurer in the Crime Journalist Association of Kenya (CJAK), Yunis Dekow emerged victorious, outpacing formidable contender Hilary Kimiyu of the Daily Nation.
Mr. Dekow, known for his dedication and experience in crime and security reporting across numerous African Countries, is poised to bring a fresh perspective to as latest member of the governing council of the society.
Mr. Kimiyu a Tech, Entertainment, Crime and Human Interest Stories correspondent for the Newspaper received 7 votes while Dekow garnered 26 votes. The election of the body that boosts to have members drawn from across the country, held in November, mark a pivotal moment in the association’s leadership landscape.
“Dekow’s victory highlights the commitment of the Crime Journalist Association to maintaining high standards of reporting and analysis in the industry,” said Akello Odenyo, the Secretary General
She said his success reflects not only his individual capabilities but also the diverse expertise within the organization.
As the newly elected treasurer, Yunis Dekow is expected to play a crucial role in shaping the financial strategies and future initiatives of the association.
Yunis Dekow is a journalist with more than ten year’s experience in news and media planning, production, managing, distribution, and monitoring for local and international media.
His media journey started as a hobby while in high school where he used to commentate the English premier league games on local radio station in Garissa, Kenya.
“I got quite successful at it and nearly 10 years later, I have further developed my cultural and creative skill sets to produce and lead on successful radio and television shows in Somalia and Kenya, on behalf of local and international missions in both countries,” said Dekow.
He currently runs Royal Halann Creative and serves a senior communication adviser to M & C Saatchi, a London based international communications company, formed in May 1995 as an advertising agency. It provides fully integrated, end to end service, combining multi-discipline communications teams with subject matter experts, across the world.
The award winning journalist was presented with a trophy of Service for his outstanding contribution in encouraging the media to embrace and integrate Swahili into more media local programs. The award was given to me by renown Kiswahili Professor, Wallah Bin Wallah in 2015.
He was appointed Program consultant for CNCPT Creative in January 2023 to steer staff working on Kenya projects in delivering and engaging, educating, motivating, persuading communication materials using audio/visual and design solutions to meet clients’ objectives.
Mr. Dekow earlier who served as the Broadcast and Digital editorial director for Dalsan Media Group, Mogadishu’s leading television news network is an alumni of the School of Journalism of the University of Nairobi.
As a team leader for the strategic communication organization, the broadcaster oversaw production and on-air anchoring of radio, television and digital newscasts and programs.
He also provided editorial decision making and guidance to ensure media organizations are compliant and accurate in their reporting and that deadlines are met in a fast-paced environment.
Dekow Hussein worked with the Africa Union, United Nations, Information Support Team (IST) which Implements the media and strategic communications agenda for AMISOM, ATMIS, UNSOS and UNSOM in Somalia as a public press information officer.
As a journalist, Yunis has written, analyzed and reported feature articles or radio pieces for: CBA TV, Star FM, Sahan Journal, Kulan Post, Nepjournal, STN TV, U report, Mail & Guardian, RTN, CNN, Dalsan Radio, Africa 24, The continent, Radio Tehran, Radio Midnimo, BBC Swahili, BBC Somali, Risala FM, Key FM, IFTIN FM, Shahidi News, Garowe Online, Somaliland.com among other publications and media networks.
Dekow who was born in Garissa is married to photojournalist Naima Mohamed from Mombasa and they have one child together.
The journalist joins CJAK Council chaired by seasoned Crime, Security and Investigative reporter Zadock Angira of the People Daily, Akello Odenyo of Radio Africa’s Star Newspaper, Vice-Chairperson, Judy Kanaitha, Ghetto Radio’s Investigative Journalist and Producer and Manase Otsialo who is serving as Deputy Secretary General of the association.
CJAK was established in 2020, the Crime Journalists Association of Kenya (CJAK) is the premier group on Security, Governance and Human Rights: Seeking to promote Quality Journalism and Enhance Accountability.
It strives to uphold high standards in reporting and stimulate ethical behaviour in the practise of journalism while also advocating for journalist’s welfare in Kenya.
Members of the organization consist of highly trained, ethical and acclaimed journalists with vast experience in their respective areas of expertise across Kenya’s 47 counties.