By Reitz Mureithi
For more than five years, Irene Nasimiyu has commanded the airwaves, leading vibrant radio shows in Kakamega’s Lubao FM.
As a radio journalist and Masters student at Masinde Muliro, Nasimiyu admits that she did not know how to integrate Artificial Intelligence (AI) and her profession, until she attended a fellowship by IAWRT.
“Initially, I didn’t think we as radio journalists could use AI. I thought it was a preserve for those in print,” Nasimiyu says amused.
She recalls how the 7-month training on AI and digital tools opened her eyes on how to generate audio from text, editing and even polish it using AI.
At the same time, the training helped Nasimiyu to generate unique topics of discussion, that have set her apart in the radio station and made her a darling to the listeners.
“At the radio station, I am the only one who knows how to use AI tools, can you imagine?” she says proudly.
“People expect that night radio programs only discuss love, but AI has helped me have outstanding unique ideas. Even in morning shows, I am able to retain our listeners through out. And when I miss a show they ask ‘where is Irene’…” she adds.
Nasimiyu now hopes to pass on these skills to her colleagues through peer learning.
She was speaking during the graduation ceremony of the fellowship where 40 female journalists from across the country participated in.
In her remarks, projects coordinator Racheal Nakitare notes that the fellowship was inspired by research that showed female journalists rarely have opportunities to be trained in advancing media trends, especially those in the counties.
“That’s why partnering with Kenya Correspondents Association was the best way, to reach journalists beyond Nairobi,” she adds.
While encouraging the journalists, Vice Chair Mirembe Nkuubi advises the graduates to always aim for growth through media organisations outside their employers.
“Build on the skills (AI) you got here, dig deeper. You may grow into being a facilitator, mentoring more journalists,” she notes.
The chairperson Josephine Karani further urged the journalists to take up opportunities every time they show up and aim to evolve with the changing media industry.
The event culminated in award of certificates marking a successful project that has moved digital journalism a step forward.
Irene Nasimiyu poses with her certificate during the graduation of IAWRT fellowship on AI and digital tools on March 27,2026.
Female journalists gather in Nairobi for graduation of IAWRT fellowship on AI and digital tools on March 27, 2026.
