Kenyan journalist Rukia Bulle has been named the winner of the 2024 BBC News Komla Dumor Award.
At 30 years old, Bulle is the ninth recipient of the award and is known for her work with Kenya’s Nation Media Group, where she specializes in human interest stories. She has also garnered a significant following on TikTok, where she shares 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 suddenly at 41 in 2014. Dumor was celebrated for his efforts to present a more nuanced and positive narrative of Africa to the world, highlighting the continent’s confidence, savvy, and entrepreneurial spirit.
The judges praised Bulle for her resilience in tackling challenging stories, her dedication to amplifying under-represented voices, and her strong on-air presence.
“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,” Bulle remarked. Last year, she was recognized as one of the 100 Most Influential Kenyan Muslims.
She also expressed hope that her achievement would inspire other young girls, particularly those who wear the hijab and come from minority communities, to dream big and pursue 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. Additionally, Bulle will travel to an African country to produce a report for the BBC’s global audience.
Tarik Kafala, acting director of the BBC World Service, expressed his pleasure at how the Komla Dumor Award has helped nurture the careers of journalists across Africa, stating, “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.”
Previous recipients of the award include Paa Kwesi Asare, Dingindaba Jonah Buyoya, Victoria Rubadiri, Solomon Serwanjja, Waihiga Mwaura, Amina Yuguda, Didi Akinyelure, and Nancy Kacungira, the inaugural winner. Last year, Asare traveled to Kenya to report on the emerging electric motorbike taxi industry.
