SJAK champions health and wellness as over 80 sports journalists benefit from medical tests, consultations
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Reading Time: 3min | Tue. 09.09.25. | 20:18
The body has laid a strong foundation for a long-term wellness program that not only safeguards the health of sports journalists but also enhances their capacity to continue delivering impactful stories
Health and wellness have become a pressing global issue, and Kenya is no exception.
Access to quality medical services remains a major concern, especially for professionals in demanding careers such as journalism.
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Recognizing this, the Sports Journalists Association of Kenya (SJAK) has stepped up to prioritize the well-being of its members.
In partnership with four medical institutions—House of Dentistry, Westlands Specialists Hospital, Restore & Renew, and Holistic Weight Management Centre—SJAK hosted a free health and wellness camp outside its offices at Nyayo National Stadium.
More than 80 sports journalists benefited from a variety of medical tests and consultations during the exercise.
Westlands Specialists Hospital offered prostate cancer screening, blood pressure checks, and breast examinations.
Restore & Renew focused on mental health, providing awareness sessions on stress management and emotional wellness.
House of Dentistry carried out dental check-ups and offered oral health education, including demonstrations on brushing and flossing techniques.
Holistic Weight Management Centre assessed participants’ Body Mass Index (BMI) and provided tailored advice on weight management.
The event was also graced by Jackson Indakwa, Director of Sports at the Ministry of Youth Affairs, Creative Economy, and Sports.
He lauded SJAK for prioritizing the health of journalists, noting that scribes play a critical role in amplifying the achievements of athletes.
“Journalists are always on the frontlines, telling the stories of our athletes both in their prime and beyond. Their own health and wellness are equally important, and I applaud SJAK and its partners for this initiative,” Indakwa said.
Dr. Nelly Otieno of Restore & Renew underscored the importance of mental health support for journalists.
“Reporters often cover intense and sometimes traumatic scenes. It is vital that they undergo mental wellness checks to cope with stress and avoid burnout,” she observed.
Other specialists also shared their perspectives.
John Mark, business development manager at Westlands Specialists Hospital, emphasized the need for accessible medical care for journalists, while Dr. Mercy Oira of House of Dentistry encouraged scribes to maintain oral health as part of their confidence and overall wellness.
SJAK President James Waindi reiterated the Association’s commitment to supporting its members through structured wellness programs.
“Healthy and happy journalists are more productive. This initiative will help our members identify health risks early, reduce healthcare costs, and ultimately improve their quality of life. We also plan to roll out webinars, training sessions, and reward programs tied to health-related goals,” Waindi explained.
According to Waindi, with the health camp, SJAK has laid a strong foundation for a long-term wellness program that not only safeguards the health of sports journalists but also enhances their capacity to continue delivering impactful stories.
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