By Waceke / Businessradar.co.ke

Kenyan international journalist Julius Mbaluto has received the Global Leadership Excellence Award in Journalism, Media Leadership and Public Discourse at the Global Impact Awards 2026 held in Bali, Indonesia.

The award acknowledges Mbaluto’s multi-decade career spanning broadcast journalism, print media, media education and public commentary across Africa, the United Kingdom and global media markets.

Industry observers note that such international recognition reflects the growing footprint of Kenyan media professionals within global information ecosystems, where cross-border journalism increasingly shapes public debate, diaspora engagement and policy conversations.

Career spanning major international broadcasters

Mbaluto’s journalism career has traversed several prominent global media organisations, including BBC World Service, BBC, ITV and Carlton Television.

His work has also extended to international analyst roles on networks such as Sky News, Euronews, Arise News, Press TV and PTV World.

This breadth of engagement reflects a career built on international reporting, commentary and analysis, positioning Mbaluto among African journalists contributing to global narratives on politics, development and diaspora affairs.

His professional foundation includes broadcast journalism training at City University London, where he later returned as a mentor to journalism students.

Diaspora media entrepreneurship and broadcasting

Beyond mainstream broadcasting, Mbaluto has been active in diaspora media entrepreneurship.

He is founder and editor of Informer East Africa Newspaper, a publication focused on African diaspora affairs, and hosts the radio programme Africa in Focus on Colourful Radio London.

Through these platforms, Mbaluto has contributed to amplifying under-reported African stories, facilitating diaspora dialogue and connecting audiences across continents.

Media analysts indicate that diaspora-focused journalism has become an important information bridge between African economies and global audiences, particularly in areas such as trade, migration, investment and cultural exchange.

Mentorship and media education impact

Mbaluto’s recognition also reflects his contribution to journalism education and mentorship.

For over a decade, he has guided students at City University London, supporting professional development for emerging journalists who have gone on to work across international media organisations.

Mentorship has increasingly been recognised as a key pillar of media ecosystem sustainability, particularly as digital transformation reshapes newsroom structures and career pathways.

Awards including Mentor of the Year at City University London in 2024 further underscore this dimension of his career.

Track record of professional honours

The Global Impact Awards recognition adds to a portfolio of accolades spanning media excellence and community contribution.

Among notable honours are the BEFFTA Legend Award for services to global society via media, an honorary doctorate recognising contributions to media and community development, and the UK-Kenya Achievers Award for Journalist of the Year.

Mbaluto has also received entries in the Kenya Book of Records and recognition through the UK Open Door Award from Skillset.

Such recognitions reflect sustained professional engagement across journalism, community leadership and cultural representation.

Contribution to Kenyan and regional media

Mbaluto’s career includes service as London correspondent for leading Kenyan newspapers including Daily Nation, The Standard and The Star.

Correspondent roles have historically played a strategic function for Kenyan media houses by providing diaspora coverage, international policy context and reporting on global developments affecting Kenyan interests abroad.

His authorship of the academic book Mass Media and Democracy in Kenya further contributes to scholarship examining media’s role within democratic processes and governance discourse.

Early career in broadcasting and acting

Prior to journalism, Mbaluto was involved in television acting at Kenya Broadcasting Corporation, appearing in multiple productions including drama series, theatre programmes and comedy shows.

While distinct from his journalism career, this early experience contributed to his media communication skills and familiarity with broadcast environments.

Broader implications for Kenyan media professionals

The recognition of Mbaluto at a global awards platform highlights the international reach of Kenyan media talent and the growing influence of African journalists within global public discourse.

As media markets become increasingly interconnected through digital distribution and diaspora audiences, Kenyan journalists operating internationally are playing expanding roles in shaping narratives on African economies, governance and cultural identity.

For Kenya’s media sector, such recognition also reinforces the country’s reputation as a source of skilled journalism professionals contributing to global media ecosystems.

The award therefore reflects both individual achievement and broader industry trends linking African journalism with international information flows and public dialogue.