A media scholar says Kenyan journalists' excellence in international awards is a major transformation of  media professional in the country.

Joe Kadhi (Right photo)  observed  that Kenyan journalists have outnumbered their West African counterparts in scooping various awards internationally, a sign he says also showed  progress in the profession and media freedom .

Addressing Mombasa based journalists during safety training workshop organised by the Media Council of Kenya over the weekend, Kadhi challenged Kenyan journalists to also uphold professionalism in their work and ensure they exercise their the watchdog role.

Freelance photojournalist Joseph Mathenge scooped the overall CNN Multichoice Africa Journalist of the Year 2014 Award.

 Mathenge scooped the award for the photos he took at the Westgate Shopping Mall terrorist attack last year September where more than 60 people were killed.

Four other Kenyans also walked away with different awards in various categories.

Former Daily Nation Deputy News Editor Patrick Mayoyo won the Environment Award for the story ‘Ice on the Equator’ regarding disappearance of ice on Mt Kenya.

Sports writer Evelyn Watta won in the sports category while Citizen TV’s Anne Mawathe and Rashid Ibrahim won the News Impact Award.