By Natalie Kakai
The media landscape is shifting rapidly, and for women in journalism and people in communication, staying ahead means mastering the tools of tomorrow. We are thrilled to share the successful conclusion of our intensive seven-month training program, “AI Fundamentals and Digital Tools for Journalists”.
The initiative was born from a direct need identified in our 2024/2025 research, which explored how female journalists in Kenya navigate technological change. While many were already using tools like Google Analytics, Otter.ai, and CapCut, the study revealed a significant gap: a lack of structured AI training and a pressing need to dispel the myth that technology is a “man’s world”.
Over the course of eight modules, our participants moved beyond the basics to understand the core mechanics of Machine Learning (ML) and Large Language Models (LLMs). The curriculum was meticulously designed to build practical skills directly linked to newsroom tasks, including:
- Content Ideation: Using AI tools like ChatGPT, Claude, and Gemini to overcome writer’s block and brainstorm diverse story angles.
- Prompt Engineering: Mastering the RTCF (Role + Task + Context + Format) framework to ensure high-quality, accurate AI outputs.
- Multimedia Journalism: Leveraging Canva Magic Media, Leonardo AI, and Runway to create ethical editorial illustrations and enhance storytelling.
- Fact-Checking & Verification: Strengthening editorial integrity by using InVID, WeVerify, and FotoForensics to detect deepfakes and manipulated media.
- Safety & Ethics: Addressing critical issues such as dataset bias, online violence against women journalists, and maintaining digital security through encrypted messaging.
Our Sincere Appreciation, this transformative journey would not have been possible without the collective effort of our community.
We extend our deepest gratitude to our trainers, whose expertise turned complex concepts into actionable skills. Their dedication ensured that our participants emerged as “digital curators” ready to lead their work stations into the future.
A special thank you to our partner, the Kenya Correspondents Association, for their invaluable collaboration in reaching journalists across the country.
Finally, we are immensely grateful to our sponsor, the Association of Progressive Communication, for their support in making this vision a reality. Together, we are ensuring that women journalists are not just keeping pace with technology, they are leading the way.
For more information on our future programs and the IAWRT mission, visit www.iawrt.or.ke.
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IAWRT DIGITAL AND AI TRAINING GRADUATION – {DATE}
