Baraza Media Lab has announced a major leadership transition following a milestone six-year tenure under outgoing Executive Director Maurice Otieno.

Six years ago, Otieno took the helm with a vision to redefine Kenya’s media and creative institution landscape. During his stewardship, Baraza Media Lab became home to impactful initiatives that shaped both Kenya’s and Africa’s broader media ecosystem. These included the Data Storytelling Fellowship, She Leads Media, FumbuaKE, the Media Innovation Incubator, the Africa Media Festival, and the Africa Media Awards.
Together with the establishment of four physical hubs, these platforms created vital opportunities for journalists, researchers, creators, and media entrepreneurs to develop skills, build networks, experiment with new ideas, and explore sustainable approaches to media innovation.
One of Otieno’s greatest contributions was his ability to build strategic partnerships and foster an environment where different actors could collaborate seamlessly. Guided by the belief that the future of African media depends on collective action, he brought together creators, journalists, civil society organizations, technology actors, and innovators to build a resilient, forward-thinking community.
As Otieno steps down, Baraza Media Lab officially welcomes Eric Kinaga as the incoming Executive Director. Kinaga brings over a decade of experience across the public sector and governance, having worked extensively at the intersection of public finance, politics, and civic life throughout Kenya and East Africa to guide the organization into its next chapter.