AMWIK Call for Entries: Story Grants for Investigative Health Journalism

Job Description

The Association of Media Women in Kenya (AMWIK) is the National Media Association, established in 1982 and registered under the Societies Act as a non-profit membership organization for women journalists from the print, electronic, and other areas of communication. AMWIK’s vision is a just society in which the media embraces and promotes equitable development and human rights. AMWIK’s mission is to use the media to promote an informed and gender-responsive society through professional and transformative media. 

Overview

The Association of Media Women in Kenya (AMWIK), as part of the USAID United Society Against Fraud, Waste, and Abuse (USAWA) Program, invites proposals for Story Grants aimed at producing investigative health journalism that addresses fraud, waste, and abuse in the country and county health sector. The USAWA program aims to strengthen fiscal accountability, health governance and citizen engagement within Kenya’s healthcare sector in Isiolo, Kakamega, Kilifi, Mombasa, and Nakuru Counties. 

The program seeks to achieve the following outcomes:  

• Empowered citizens with the capacity to effectively participate in decision-making and oversight processes in the Health Sector. 
• Strengthened leadership, governance, financing, commodity management, and service delivery systems in the health sector at the county level to improve transparency, accountability, and participation. 
• Improved policy implementation and enforcement of relevant laws, policies, and procedures at national and county levels.  

AMWIK as a media partner, supports the Consortium through its member representation from all the media houses, and social media experts to increase media focus on corrupt individuals and actions; raise awareness regarding the laws against corruption, and progress in its reduction; and augment enforcement of anti-corruption laws. 

Background

Corruption within Kenya’s devolved health function poses a significant threat to governance, leadership, and the effective management of health commodities. Over the years, fraudulent activities, waste, and abuse of resources have not only eroded public trust but have also severely compromised the quality of healthcare services provided to citizens. Fraud, waste, and abuse have diverted resources away from essential healthcare services, leading to poor quality care, inadequate access to medical facilities, and increased mortality rates. Investigative journalism is crucial for exposing these issues and promoting accountability.

Instances of budget misappropriation, procurement irregularities, and the diversion of essential medical supplies undermine the integrity of health systems, resulting in stalled projects and inadequate service delivery. These issues disproportionately affect vulnerable populations, leading to a crisis of accountability and transparency that hampers the overall progress of Kenya’s health sector. Addressing these challenges through rigorous investigative journalism is essential to curb corruption, promote accountability and foster improvements in governance and service provision.

Grant Details

This story grant will put an emphasis on Fraud, Waste and Abuse in the health sector in Kenya. Proposals may include:

• New Media: Podcasts, Social media Campaigns, YouTube documentaries, creatives, artists
• Traditional Media: Print articles, TV and Radio programs and features,

We encourage media products that highlight:

1. Governance and leadership in health service delivery.
2. Success stories in mitigating Fraud, Waste and Abuse.
3. Management of health commodities.
4. Manifestation of fraud, waste, and abuse in accessing quality healthcare.

Eligibility

• This opportunity is open to practicing and certified journalists and media practitioners with relevant experience. Experience in health journalism is an added advantage.
• The stories can be produced in any language. However, applicants who intend to write or produce stories in their local language need to also include an English translation. Please include the cost for translation in the budget, if necessary.
• All applicants working in media houses will be asked to provide a signed letter of support from their editor, explicitly stating that the media outlet will publish the stories produced because of this grant.
• Applicants will also need to submit at least three samples of stories or links to relevant work.

Application Process

Interested journalists should submit a compelling story proposal that includes:

1. Title of the proposed media output.
2. 300 Words Technical Proposal:  To include brief description detailing focus, methodology of data collection, sources, and media output details including reach and target audience.
3. Financial Proposal: Outline the financial obligation to undertake the grant. ( See sample form here: https://shorturl.at/gMV10 )
4. Sample of work done

Evaluation Criteria

Proposals will be evaluated based on:

1. Relevance to Focus Areas: Directly addressing fraud, waste, and abuse in the specified counties.
2. Newsworthiness: Presenting significant information likely to engage the audience.
3. Originality and Angle: Offering a unique perspective on the topic.
4. Clarity and Focus: Clear and concise narrative focusing on specific issues.
5. Engagement Potential: Effective media format that engages the target audience.
6. Feasibility: Realistic timeline and access to necessary resources.
7. Credentials and Experience: Background showcasing experience in investigative journalism.
8. Impact on Public Awareness: Contribution to public understanding of health sector issues.

How to Apply

We plan to issue grants in February with the expectation that all stories will be published by May 2025 at the latest. Applicants should consider this timeline when drafting their workplan.

To apply, send your proposals via email to info@amwik.org by 30th January 2025 with the subject: Investigative Health Grant application.  

Applications submitted after the deadline will not be considered.