Kenyan journalist Rukia Bulle has been named the winner of the 2024 BBC News Komla Dumor Award. At 30 years old, Bulle, who works for Kenya’s Nation Media Group, is the ninth recipient of this prestigious award. She specializes in human interest stories and has gained a strong following on TikTok with her relatable and informative content about the life of a journalist.
The award honors the late Komla Dumor, a Ghanaian journalist and BBC World News presenter who passed away suddenly at the age of 41 in 2014. Dumor was known for his efforts to bring a more nuanced narrative of Africa to the world, showcasing the continent’s confident, savvy, and entrepreneurial side.
The judges were particularly impressed by Bulle’s resilience, her ability to tackle challenging stories, her focus on 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,” said Bulle, who was also named one of the 100 Most Influential Kenyan Muslims last year. “I hope this award inspires young girls like me, who wear the hijab and come from minority communities, to dream big and achieve their goals.”
As part of the award, Bulle will spend three months in London working with BBC News teams across television, radio, and online. She will also receive training and mentorship from leading BBC journalists.