Kenyan journalist Rukia Bulle has been named the winner of the 2024 BBC News Komla Dumor Award.
At 26 years old, Bulle is the ninth recipient of this prestigious award and is currently working for Kenya’s Nation Media Group, where she focuses on human interest stories.
In addition to her journalism work, she has gained a significant following on TikTok, sharing relatable and informative content about the life of a journalist.
The Komla Dumor Award was established in memory of Ghanaian journalist and BBC World News presenter Komla Dumor, who passed away unexpectedly at the age of 41 in 2014.
Dumor was known for his efforts to present a more nuanced and positive narrative of Africa to the global audience, highlighting the continent’s confident, savvy, and entrepreneurial aspects.
The judges praised Bulle for her resilience, her ability to tackle challenging stories, her dedication to amplifying under-represented voices, and her strong presence on-air.
Reflecting on her achievement, Bulle said, “Winning this award means a great deal to me.
As a journalist, you constantly strive to do your best, regardless of recognition, so to be acknowledged on a global stage through the Komla Dumor Award is incredibly validating.”
She also expressed her hope that the award would inspire young girls, particularly those who wear the hijab and come from minority communities, to “dream big and achieve their goals.”
As part of her award, Bulle will spend three months in London working with BBC News teams across television, radio, and online platforms.
She will also receive training and mentorship from leading BBC journalists. Tarik Kafala, the acting director of the BBC World Service, expressed his pleasure at the impact the Komla Dumor Award has had on nurturing the careers of journalists across Africa.
“Previous recipients of the award have made significant contributions to public service journalism, so we are thrilled to welcome Rukia Bulle as this year’s winner,” he said.
During her placement, Bulle will have the opportunity to travel to an African country to report on a story that will be broadcast to the BBC’s global audience.
Previous winners of the award include Paa Kwesi Asare, Dingindaba Jonah Buyoya, Victoria Rubadiri, Solomon Serwanjja, Waihiga Mwaura, Amina Yuguda, Didi Akinyelure, and Nancy Kacungira, the first recipient.
Last year, Asare traveled to Kenya to report on the emerging electric motorbike taxi industry in the country.
Source-BBC
