By Robert Nyasato
What began as a simple idea to share story tips has, over a decade later, grown into one of the most influential journalist-led welfare and professional networks in the Gusii region and beyond.
In early 2015, David Angwenyi Gichana, a sports journalist, began toying with the idea of creating a forum where journalists could freely exchange story ideas and collaborate on timely reporting.
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On July 17, 2015, he took a bold step and brought the idea to life—at a time when WhatsApp, often referred to in newsroom circles as urban communication, was just beginning to reshape journalism workflows.
He created a WhatsApp group dubbed Kisii Scribes, initially bringing together journalists working for different media houses from Kisii and Nyamira.
This way, media professionals from elsewhere posted in Gusii region were accommodated in the group and ‘felt at home’ as they could go about their duties and navigate the region easily.
“Although members were working for competing outlets, the idea worked remarkably well,” Gichana recalls.
“The platform became very handy as journalism adjusted to the realities of digital evolution.”
Like most pioneering initiatives, the group experienced early growing pains.
Some journalists who were slower to embrace digital tools felt left out, while at times, security agencies and political actors attempted to infiltrate the platform through rogue members, keen to monitor conversations and access information.
What Gichana did not anticipate was that this modest idea—born out of professional necessity—would outgrow him and evolve into a structured, enduring institution.
Over time, Kisii Scribes transformed into the Gusii Scribes Welfare Association (GUSWA), a registered welfare organisation drawing members not only from across Kenya but also from the diaspora.
Today, GUSWA boasts a membership of 150 professionals, including journalists, editors, communication specialists, corporate practitioners and government communicators.
For many members, the greatest value of GUSWA lies in its welfare function.
Journalists, often operating without strong safety nets, previously faced immense hardship during moments of crisis such as bereavement or illness.
Through pooled resources and collective support, these challenges are now significantly eased.
GUSWA operates through two core wings—Benevolence and Investment—while also running complementary programmes focused on professional growth.
These include a fully-fledged press club, shared workstations, a functional website, a recording studio with Wi-Fi access, and a mentorship programme targeting students and budding journalists.
Under the leadership of pioneer Chairman Joshua Araka, Secretary Arnold Ageta, and Treasurer Ruth Mbula, the association secured a strategic partnership with the Media Council of Kenya (MCK).
This collaboration led to the establishment of a functional office in Kisii and the launch of the organisation’s website, www.kisiipressclub.co.ke, providing journalists with a professional base and digital presence.
The press club also doubles as a training and content hub, offering members a platform to write, record and air stories, while mentorship efforts tap into the rich experience of seasoned practitioners to nurture the next generation of journalists.
Situated in the serene Nyankongo suburb, the GUSWA office offers a modest but conducive working environment—an increasingly important resource at a time when shrinking newsrooms and freelance journalism are becoming the norm.
To safeguard transparency and accountability, office bearers are democratically elected, reinforcing trust and shared ownership among members.
Although he now serves as Patron, Gichana remains deeply connected to the association.
The original spirit of Kisii Scribes—collaboration, solidarity and shared growth—continues to guide GUSWA’s mission, now with a well structured leadership including an Advisory Board.
From a simple WhatsApp group to a robust welfare, investment and mentorship institution, GUSWA, having emerged from Kisii Scribes, has travelled an extraordinary ten-year journey.
In the words of Chairman Joshua Araka, “GUSWA is now on its feet—and running.”
