IAWRT-KE

Author: Otieng’ Otieng’

  • AI, Truth, and the Journalist’s Eye

    AI, Truth, and the Journalist’s Eye

    By  Everlyne W Muriithi

    Like any beginner, I started frustrated — the tools often seemed to give me everything except what I actually wanted

    On 17th January 2026, I joined fellow journalists for IAWRT’s Digital Training, (Module 6) a session that felt less like a class and more like a wake-up call. The training pushed us to confront a question many of us are already grappling with in our newsrooms and timelines.

    The session, facilitated by Nelly Moraa, explored one of the most urgent questions in modern journalism: How do we protect truth in an era of artificial intelligence and viral misinformation? From the start, it was clear this wasn’t going to be just another technical training. It was a conversation about responsibility, ethics, and the future of our craft.

    We unpacked AI policy, digital verification, and the evolving role of journalists in a world where content travels faster than facts. One powerful truth stood out: no tool  no matter how advanced can verify user-generated content with 100% certainty. Yet relying on the “human eye” alone is no longer enough either. Verification today is a hybrid process, blending human judgment, digital tools, and AI-assisted analysis.

    As we went deeper, we examined how misinformation is created and amplified online  from fake tweets and manipulated images to coordinated inauthentic behaviour (CIB), where networks of accounts push the same narratives in synchronized patterns. What struck me most was how convincingly these tactics can disguise themselves as organic public opinion.

    Nelly guided us through the core questions every journalist must now ask:
    Who created this content?
    What is being claimed?
    When and where did it originate?
    Why is it being shared now?

    From there, we explored practical ways to trace provenance, assess the authenticity of social media profiles, and use tools like reverse image search, metadata analysis, mapping platforms, and fact-checking databases such as Africa Check and PesaCheck. We learned how weather data, timestamps, and visual landmarks can help confirm whether a video or image truly belongs to the moment and place it claims.

    AI, we discovered, plays a powerful supporting role. It can summarize large volumes of information, highlight repeated text or suspicious patterns, and surface inconsistencies across documents and timelines. But the session emphasized a critical boundary: AI is a guide, not a judge. It can point us toward clues, but it must never replace primary evidence, editorial judgment, or human verification. Every AI-assisted insight must end with one question: What do the original sources say?

    We also explored Google Pinpoint, a tool that allows journalists to organize and search official documents over time. By comparing language across months or years, it becomes possible to spot contradictions, policy shifts, and the gaps between public statements and reality.

    What this training reaffirmed for me is that verification is not a single action it is a process. A mindset. A discipline.

    In a digital landscape where misinformation is engineered to look credible, the journalist’s role is more vital than ever. Our work is not just to report what is trending, but to slow the story down, interrogate it, and rebuild it on a foundation of evidence.

    Truth still depends on human judgment.
    AI simply gives us sharper tools to defend it.

  • IAWRT Kenya coaches women in journalism on crafting, engineering, and relating to AI

    IAWRT Kenya coaches women in journalism on crafting, engineering, and relating to AI

    By Jedidah Mumia

    The digital landscape has shifted from static content to an era of intelligent co-creation. As we navigate this era, the success of any media strategy relies on three interconnected pillars: the ability to generate high-fidelity assets, the engineering precision to guide those models, and the data-driven precision to engage the right audience.

    IAWRT Kenya has taken the obligation to train women in journalism on the use of these tools. Through the help of trainers like madam Josephine Karani, Lucy Kilalo and Grace Kerongo, working with AI tools has been a walk in the park.

    1. AI generated Media

    Madam Josephine Karani extensively talked about how AI-generated media has evolved from simple text-to-image tools into sophisticated “multimodal engines” capable of producing hyper-realistic video, immersive audio, and interactive 3D environments.

    She touched on the core features and modernized tools like DALL.E, Midjourney and Canva media. From abstract compositions to photorealistic landscapes, Karani leverages AI to create visuals that challenge traditional artistic boundaries. These tools can also be used to brainstorm plotlines, character development, and even writing entire short stories or screenplays.

     The ethical aspect of using AI previously had the “Deepfake Dilemma”. Currently, the focus has shifted toward provenance and transparency.

    Madam Karani made sure to remind her audience on the importance of acknowledging and labeling one’s work. Industry standards now mandate metadata “watermarking” to distinguish synthetic media from reality.

    As journalists, we need to take accountability. Our ethical frameworks prioritize consent, ensuring that the likeness and style of human creators are protected from unauthorized training.

    2. AI Engineering: Frameworks for Precision

    The black box of AI is being unlocked through Prompt Engineering. “Prompt engineering is all about clear communication, but this time with AI,” said Madam Lucy Kilalo. She added that when prompting the user has to be specific and brief to avoid confusion. “Keep your prompts focused on your goals and guide the conversation from general ideas to detailed points.” She emphasized.

     To get high-quality and reliable outputs, professionals use structured frameworks such as;

    • COSTAR framework: This industry gold standard ensures no detail is missed by defining Context, Objective, Style, Tone, Audience, and Response format.
    • Chain-of-Verification (CoV): This is a recent technique where the AI is prompted to fact-check its own initial draft before presenting it, significantly reducing hallucinations.
    • Few-Shot & Chain-of-Thought (Cot): By providing the model with a few examples (few-shot) or asking it to “think step-by-step”, one can guide AI through complex reasoning tasks especially for data analysis.

    Madam Lucy Kilalo also touched on a few principles of effective prompting. She emphasized on assigning a role/ persona. This would put the model into a specific context, dramatically improving the relevance of its output. She also mentioned that the user should be specific and provide context, simply provide the background information it needs to get accurate answers.

    3. AI for Audience Engagement

    Engagement in the AI era is no longer about broadcasting to a crowd it is about anticipating the individual. “We are our audiences, so we need to know our audiences and become them for survival.” Said Madam Grace Kerongo, one of the trainers.

    How does that happen? There is similar Web data that can be used to engage the audience. These include;

    • the core Traffic Metrics (The ‘How Many’?). These metrics will tell you the total number of visits (sessions) to the website. Unique visitors will also be identified. These are distinct individuals who visited the site within a selected time frame.
    • Engagement Metrics (The ‘How Loyal’?) These, metrics measure the “quality” of the audience. It measures the percentage of visitors who enter the site and leave after only one visit (the bounce rate). It also measures the context fir news and pages per visit.
    • Marketing Channels (The ‘From Where’?). This section tells you which platforms driving the audience to the news sites. They include; users who type the URL directly into the browser, traffic from Facebook, X, WhatsApp e t c (socials), referrals which are traffic from other websites.

    AI now monitors subtle behavioral sequences such as how long a user pauses on a specific image to predict intent and serve the next piece of content before the user even clicks.

     AI also creates fluid segments based on real-time mood and interaction history, ensuring that a price-conscious user receives a discount code exactly when they show signs of hesitation.

    As Madam Josephine Karani, Lucy Kilalo and Grace Kerongo have demonstrated in their respective fields, the future of media is a blend of creative vision and technical precision. By mastering the frameworks of engineering and the ethics of generation, creators can build an audience connection that is both technologically advanced and deeply human.

    Why This Training Matters Especially for Women Journalists

    Looking Ahead

  • Harnessing AI in Journalism: Lessons from IWART-Kenya Digital and AI training for Female Journalists in Kenya

    Harnessing AI in Journalism: Lessons from IWART-Kenya Digital and AI training for Female Journalists in Kenya

    By Isabel Ziz

    Kenyan newsrooms are undergoing a quiet but profound transformation. Where journalists once relied heavily on manual processes such as hours spent transcribing interviews, developing story structures and editorials from scratch, sorting through piles of documents, and designing visuals from scratch, today’s media landscape demands speed, accuracy, creativity, and digital fluency. Artificial Intelligence (AI) is no longer a future concept but a fast becoming a critical tool for newsrooms to survive and thrive.

    Across all media categories, from community media stations to large national newsrooms, AI is reshaping how stories are researched, produced, and shared with audiences. However, for this transformation to be ethical, inclusive, and impactful, journalists must be equipped with the right skills. This is where targeted capacity‑building becomes essential.

    IAWRT‑Kenya, remains committed to supporting this shift through their ongoing training on the use of AI and digital tools, currently empowering over 40 female journalists across Kenya to confidently navigate and shape the future of journalism.

    Recognizing this shift, the International Association of Women in Radio and Television (IAWRT-Kenya) has been at the forefront of re-skilling media practitioners. Through a comprehensive seven-month national training program, supported by partners like Google and the Association for Progressive Communications (APC) and SIDA, IAWRT Kenya is ensuring that female journalists are not just passive consumers of technology but “empowered storytellers shaping its use responsibly.” Racheal Nakitare – 1st Chapter President aptly puts it at the beginning of our training sessions:

    “The media space is changing faster than ever. Journalists have to adapt… Female journalists especially need digital confidence and the right tools to compete in this evolving industry.”

    My own experience as a recipient of these trainings illustrates the shift from skepticism to advocacy. I have personally witnessed how Notebook LM can break down complex reports into easily understood insights and how tools like Google Pinpoint can “find the needle in the haystack” during investigative research of big data.

    I have benefited big-time from these sessions, gaining the technical fluency to handle everything from image verification to ethical prompting. However, the most profound impact of this training is its ripple effect. As a lecturer in media studies, I am now uniquely positioned to bridge the gap between the industry and the classroom.

     Lessons in AI Engineering have helped me understand how to thoughtfully integrate Artificial Intelligence into newsrooms. I learned about the significance of using high-quality data to produce accurate reporting, the role of algorithms in content curation and verification.

    It is no longer enough for journalism students to master the inverted pyramid; they must graduate with “digital fluency” to survive the modern newsroom. My goal is to integrate these IAWRT Kenya inspired modules into our curriculum so that by the time our students step out into the industry, they are perfectly aligned with global standards.

    Bringing IAWRT’s lessons into the classroom helps future professionals become sharper, faster, and better prepared for the digital age. We teach them that while AI can enhance storytelling, the heart of the narrative should stay with the journalist. With this approach, we do more than teach students how to use tools we empower them to shape the future of African storytelling.

  • From Skeptic to Advocate: My AI Journey in Journalism

    From Skeptic to Advocate: My AI Journey in Journalism

    By Celine Abuga

    Like any beginner, I started frustrated — the tools often seemed to give me everything except what I actually wanted

    My relationship with Artificial Intelligence (AI) began in outright distrust. With a deeply conservative outlook, I saw these tools as little more than crutches for the lazy — shortcuts for people who wanted to rush work and dodge real effort. For years I kept my distance. ChatGPT was the only AI I’d even heard of, and I refused to touch it.

    That stubborn scepticism finally cracked during a transformative training programme run by the International Association of Women in Radio and Television-Kenya (IAWRT- Kenya) in partnership with  Kenya Correspondents Association , Google and with the support of SIDA and APC. Designed for female journalists, the course opened my eyes to the responsible, ethical use of AI and its game-changing potential in modern newsrooms. Above all, it drove home an unbreakable rule: credibility and integrity must remain non-negotiable, no matter how powerful the technology.

    Today, AI is woven into the fabric of my daily work and I’m a better journalist because of it.

    Google Gemini’s Deep Research feature has become indispensable. It rapidly summarises and analyses complex information and allows me to double-check responses across text, images, audio and video with unprecedented confidence. When recent by-elections were swamped with mis- and disinformation, combining Gemini with AI Image Verification tools (notably SynthID watermark detection) and trusted classics — Google Reverse Image Search, FotoForensics, TinEye and InVID — gave me a formidable arsenal for spotting and exposing AI-generated fakes. The result? Faster, sharper, more credible fact-checking.

    Then there is Google Pinpoint — nothing short of revelatory. Whether I need quick answers to straightforward questions, concise summaries of lengthy documents, side-by-side comparisons or precise data extraction, Pinpoint delivers. What used to be gruelling research is now genuinely enjoyable. I’ve leaned on it to consolidate evidence and fact-check claims in President William Ruto’s State of the Nation Address. As a mentor on an investigative reporting programme, it has also proved invaluable for guiding younger journalists through topic research and rigorous verification.

    Like any beginner, I started frustrated — the tools often seemed to give me everything except what I actually wanted. The turning point was simple but profound: I realised the problem wasn’t the tools; it was my prompting. The more I practised crafting clear, structured questions, the better the results became. A universal truth emerged: the better the prompt, the better the outcome.

    My initial suspicion has melted away. Far from being a lazy shortcut, AI — when used responsibly — has become a trusted ally that amplifies accuracy, deepens analysis, and upholds the highest journalistic standards. I am no longer just a user of these tools. I’m an advocate.

  • The Future Of News Is Not Replacing Journalists But Equipping Them To Thrive

    The Future Of News Is Not Replacing Journalists But Equipping Them To Thrive

    By Raylenne Kambua

    Kenyan newsrooms are undergoing a quiet but profound transformation. Where journalists once relied heavily on manual processes such as hours spent transcribing interviews, developing story structures and editorials from scratch, sorting through piles of documents, and designing visuals from scratch, today’s media landscape demands speed, accuracy, creativity, and digital fluency. Artificial Intelligence (AI) is no longer a future concept but a fast becoming a critical tool for newsrooms to survive and thrive.

    Across all media categories, from community media stations to large national newsrooms, AI is reshaping how stories are researched, produced, and shared with audiences. However, for this transformation to be ethical, inclusive, and impactful, journalists must be equipped with the right skills. This is where targeted capacity‑building becomes essential.

    IAWRT‑Kenya, remains committed to supporting this shift through their ongoing training on the use of AI and digital tools, currently empowering over 40 female journalists across Kenya to confidently navigate and shape the future of journalism.

    Why AI Matters in Today’s Newsrooms

    The modern newsroom operates under intense pressure: breaking news cycles, shrinking resources, digital competition, and increasingly fragmented audiences. AI tools help journalists work smarter, not harder, freeing up time for what matters most which is storytelling, verification, and public accountability.

    For Kenyan newsrooms, especially community media that often operate with limited staff and budgets, AI offers an opportunity to level the playing field. When used responsibly, these tools enhance productivity without compromising editorial independence or journalistic ethics.

    How AI Can Be Used in Journalism

    AI tools are increasingly supporting journalists across the entire news production process especially when paired with strong editorial oversight. Some key applications include:

    • Research and analysis: Quickly reviewing large datasets, reports, and archives
    • Writing support: Drafting outlines, refining language, and structuring stories
    • Planning and brainstorming: Generating story ideas, angles, and interview questions
    • Transcription and translation: Converting audio to text and breaking language barriers
    • Data visualization: Turning complex data into clear, visual stories
    • Fact‑checking and verification: Supporting image, video, and content verification workflows
    • Multimedia production: Enhancing images, audio, and visual storytelling

    Using Google Gemini in the Newsroom

    Led by Kenneth Kiunga  from the Google News Initiative, participants explored how Google Gemini can support journalists in their daily work emphasizing on the ethical use, transparency, and human oversight, ensuring that AI enhances journalistic integrity. Gemini was introduced as a writing and thinking companion, rather than a replacement for journalistic judgment.

    During this module, we learned how Gemini can be used for:

    • Brainstorming story ideas and angles
    • Planning content calendars and coverage strategies
    • Drafting story outlines and explainer pieces
    • Rewriting content for different audiences and platforms

    NotebookLM: Making Sense of Complex Information

    One of the standout tools introduced was Google’s NotebookLM, particularly valuable for journalists dealing with institutional reports, policy documents, and research papers.

    NotebookLM enables journalists to:

    • Upload long and complex documents
    • Generate accurate summaries grounded in the source material
    • Ask targeted questions across multiple documents
    • Decompress dense information into digestible insights

    For journalists, this means spending less time decoding lengthy reports and more time crafting stories that audiences can understand and engage with.

    The Growing Importance of Multimedia Journalism

    “In today’s digital age, multimedia is no longer optional, it is a storytelling necessity.” Said Josephine Karani, IAWRT-Kenya Chairperson and the trainer of the AI in Multimedia Journalism module. Audiences increasingly consume news through visuals, audio, and interactive formats, particularly on mobile and social media platforms.

    Multimedia journalism:

    • Improves audience retention by making stories more engaging
    • Enhances understanding of complex issues through visuals and data
    • Increases shareability across digital platforms
    • Makes journalism more human, relatable, and inclusive

    During the training, the media mentor and veteran journalist with over 3 decades of experience in the broadcast media, emphasized the power of visual storytelling. Including how images, graphics, video, and audio can evoke emotion, provide context, and deepen audience connection. She highlighted that strong visuals do not replace facts; they amplify truth and meaning.

    Why This Training Matters Especially for Women Journalists

    As newsrooms adopt new technologies, there is a real risk that women journalists, particularly those in community media, can be left behind due to limited access to training and digital tools. IAWRT-Kenya’s program intentionally centers female journalists, ensuring they are not just adapting to change but actively shaping it.

    By training over 40 female journalists, the organization is contributing to:

    • More inclusive and diverse newsrooms
    • Stronger digital and multimedia storytelling
    • Ethical and responsible AI adoption in media
    • A future‑ready generation of women journalists

    Looking Ahead

    The evolution from manual newsrooms to AI‑enabled journalism is not about replacing journalists but most importantly about empowering them. With the right skills, tools, and ethical frameworks, AI strengthens journalism’s core mission: to inform, educate, and hold power to account.

    IAWRT‑Kenya, remains committed to building the capacity of women in media to thrive in this changing landscape ensuring no newsroom, and no journalist, is left behind.

  • Bridging the Digital Gap as AI Training Equips Female Journalists in Kenya

    Bridging the Digital Gap as AI Training Equips Female Journalists in Kenya

    By Selphar Musungu

    When artificial intelligence first began making its way into Kenyan newsrooms, many female journalists watched with curiosity, eager to learn but unsure where to begin.

    That uncertainty is now fading, thanks to a new initiative by the International Association of Women in Radio and Television (IAWRT–Kenya), supported by Google, APC, and the Kenya Correspondents Association. The programme has opened a powerful path for female journalists in the media industry to claim their space in a rapidly evolving digital landscape.

    Launched in August, the project has rolled out training sessions month by month, each one designed to deepen participants’ understanding of the artificial intelligence tools reshaping modern journalism. From foundational AI concepts to advanced digital applications in storytelling, the sessions are practical, engaging, and intentionally tailored for women journalists.

    “The media space is changing faster than ever. Journalists have to adapt to growing technology. Female journalists especially need digital confidence and the right tools to compete in this evolving industry,” said Josephine, one of the trainers, during a recent session.

    The first workshop introduced participants to Gemini, Google’s AI tool, demonstrating how it can support in-depth research and help generate strong, well-informed story ideas. From there, the training became increasingly hands-on, exposing journalists to a range of AI tools now influencing the craft of reporting.

    Google’s Gemini proved not only useful for research but also for quick fact-checking and generating responsible visual concepts. NotebookLM helped participants organise interviews, summarise long documents, come up with videos and audios from written stories and streamline story outlines with greater efficiency.

    Investigative journalists found Google Pinpoint especially powerful, using it to analyse thousands of documents, filter information and spot patterns that would take days, or weeks, to uncover manually. Creative tools such as Nonabanana expanded storytelling possibilities, allowing reporters to experiment with new formats and visuals.

    Beyond technical skills, the sessions placed strong emphasis on ethics and transparency. Journalists were trained to acknowledge any information generated using AI and to disclose when AI tools contribute to their work.

    “For us not to lose trust with our audience, who also understand technology, it’s essential to acknowledge when we use AI tools. Whether in print, broadcast, or digital stories, transparency is crucial,” said another facilitator.

    For many female journalists in the cohort, the experience has been transformative. The training has not only expanded their digital capacity but also strengthened their confidence to navigate online spaces, pitch innovative story ideas, and produce journalism that meets global standards.

    “These sessions are incredible. I can’t wait to apply the knowledge I’ve gained to my stories,” said Irene, one of the participants.

    As the programme continues, IAWRT–Kenya and its partners hope to build a strong network of digitally savvy women journalists equipped to lead innovation in Kenyan media. For the participants, one message stands out clearly: the future of journalism is here—and they are ready for it.

  • Kenya’s Young Journalists Are Being Re-Skilled for an AI-Powered Media Future.

    Kenya’s Young Journalists Are Being Re-Skilled for an AI-Powered Media Future.

    By Loise Lenser

    In a country that has taken the lead in the use of AI across the world, journalists have not been left behind. Kenya’s young reporters are now stepping into a new wave of digital storytelling through a structured training programme designed to help them understand and use modern tools in their daily work.

    The initiative, led by IAWRT–Kenya with support from APC, Google and the Kenya Correspondents Association, is giving youth journalists the practical skills they need to thrive in a media landscape that is changing faster than ever.

    Since its launch in August, the sessions have unfolded month by month, each one deliberately crafted to deepen the participants’ understanding of how technology is reshaping the craft of reporting. The first session introduced the cohort to the emerging space where journalism meets artificial intelligence.

    What could have been a technical conversation instead became a practical exploration of how prompts, machine learning and automated checks are already making way into global newsroom routines. The young reporters left with a clearer sense that AI is not replacing human judgment, but it is expanding what journalists can do.

    This opened the room to a deeper attention to the heart of every strong story: research. Through NotebookLM, participants experienced a new way of handling interviews, transcripts and dense reports.

    Instead of being overwhelmed by scattered notes and long recordings, they watched their materials transform into neatly organised summaries, insightful highlights and structured themes in a matter of moments.

    For many, it was the first time seeing a research process that keeps pace with the urgency of modern storytelling.

    Following NotebookLM was Google Pinpoint, a tool that opened an entirely new dimension of reporting. Young journalists worked with archives, scanned documents, voice files and large collections of materials that would traditionally take days to sort through. Pinpoint revealed patterns, keywords and connections with ease, showing the cohort what evidence-based journalism looks like when supported by the right technology.

    The programme is still unfolding. The coming months will introduce the cohort to new forms of multimedia storytelling, ethical considerations around AI, and the growing role of digital tools in shaping newsroom culture. What stands out most is not just the tools themselves, but the shift in mindset: young Kenyan journalists are beginning to see technology as part of their creative process, not as an obstacle.

    The training is preparing a future media workforce that is sharper, faster and more capable of navigating the complexities of the digital age. And as these young reporters continue their journey, one thing is increasingly clear, Kenya’s next era of storytelling will be led by a generation that understands both the power of technology and the responsibility of the newsroom.

  • Female Journalists Urged to Report Attacks via New Mapping Tool

    Female Journalists Urged to Report Attacks via New Mapping Tool

    By Martha

    ENTEBBE, Uganda — Female journalists across Africa are being urged to use a new digital platform to track and report attacks, harassment and abuse they face in their work, writes Martha Nakhate Phonera.

    The organization hopes the data collected will strengthen accountability for those who target women journalists and create safer working conditions across the continent.

    IAWRT-Kenya Chairperson Josephine Karani delivering her address

    The International Association of Women in Radio and Television -Kenya Chapter made the call during a two-day training session on Tuesday and Wednesday in Entebbe.
    IAWRT Chairperson Josephine Karani emphasized the need for vigilance against both physical and electronic harassment, including the misuse of Artificial Intelligence.

    “In an era where harassment is not only physical but also electronic, there’s a need to be vigilant and act,” Karani said.

    The IAWRT safety mapping tool, launched in August, has recorded more than 100 cases since its creation in 2023. Reported incidents include cyberbullying, intimidation, sexual harassment, denial of access to information and arrests.

    Karani said increased reporting in some African regions doesn’t necessarily indicate higher rates of abuse, but rather greater awareness of the platform. “Just because there are more reported cases in other parts of Africa on the platform doesn’t mean that side has more abuse than other parts,” she said.

    The training aims to build a comprehensive database on attacks against women in media that can be used by law enforcement and legal institutions to investigate and prosecute perpetrators.

    IAWRT is calling on female journalists to collaborate with legal entities to ensure their rights are protected through consistent use of the reporting platform. The organisation hopes the data collected will strengthen accountability for those who target women journalists and create safer working conditions across the continent.

  • Uasin Gishu Leaders Push for Recognition of Unpaid Care Work as Key to Kenya’s Growth

    Uasin Gishu Leaders Push for Recognition of Unpaid Care Work as Key to Kenya’s Growth

    By Naomi Cheruiyot

    October 27, 2025

    Standing Up for Women Journalists: A Powerful Step Forward in Digital Protection

    Gender advocates and development partners in Uasin Gishu County are calling for urgent recognition of unpaid care work (UCW) as a major contributor to Kenya’s economy and a barrier to women’s economic participation.

    Speaking during a community sensitisation forum organised by SDGs Kenya in partnership with the Uasin Gishu County Directorate of Gender, John Otieno from SDGs Kenya said the burden of unpaid care work continues to limit women’s access to paid employment and business opportunities.

    “Women spend nearly five times more hours on unpaid care work than men, the equivalent of losing 196 working days every year. This is not just a gender issue, it’s an economic one,” said Otieno.

    County Director of Gender, Betsy Chepkemoi, noted that most women’s time is consumed by child-rearing, home care, and attending to the sick and elderly, leaving little opportunity for economic growth.

    “Care work is the backbone of our homes and communities. It must be recognised, supported, and shared fairly between men and women,” she said.

    Unpaid care work’s contribution to Kenya’s GDP

    According to a report discussed at the forum, unpaid care work contributes an estimated 39.9 per cent of Kenya’s GDP, yet remains uncounted in national statistics. The study by the Kenya National Bureau of Statistics (KNBS) and UN Women shows that Kenyan women spend an average of 4 hours and 38 minutes daily on unpaid work compared to 1 hour for men.

    Chepkemoi said Uasin Gishu County is aligning its efforts with the National Care Policy (NCP), which follows the International Labour Organisation’s “5Rs Framework” — Recognise, Reduce, Redistribute, Reward, and Represent care work.

    “Investing in childcare centres, clean water, and reliable energy directly supports women’s economic empowerment and county development,” she added.

    Otieno urged both national and county governments to expand subsidised childcare and care infrastructure, noting that such initiatives have increased women’s employment rates by up to 17 per cent in pilot projects.

    Community members participating in the session noted that many rural women in Uasin Gishu face acute “time poverty” due to the lack of basic amenities and echoed the call, highlighting the heavy “time poverty” faced by rural women.

    “We spend hours fetching water and caring for our families, leaving no time to work or train,” said a participant from Kesses.

    The meeting ended with a call for joint action from all sectors to recognise care work as essential labour.

    “When we invest in the care economy, we invest in productivity and family well-being,” Otieno said.

    Tools and skills used in developing this story are courtesy of training by the International Association of Women in Radio and Television – Kenya Chapter (IAWRT-KE) in partnership with Google News Initiative which the writer recently participated in.

  • Strengthening Reporting Mechanisms for Female Journalists

    Strengthening Reporting Mechanisms for Female Journalists

    By Raylenne Kambua

    The International Association of Women in Radio and Television (IAWRT) Kenya continues to lead efforts toward creating safer online and offline spaces for female journalists, a core mandate of our organization. Speaking during a recent training on monitoring and reporting violations against women journalists, Josephine Karani, IAWRT Kenya chapter head, stressed the importance of documenting such cases accurately. Evidence-building continues to be crucial as without data, we cannot meaningfully influence policy or push for systemic change that ensures women journalists’ safety.

    Gendered Risks in Journalism

    The session brought into sharp focus the gender-specific threats women face in journalism. Police commissioner Polycarp Ngufor from Cameroon underscored the hostile environment in which many operate. He explained that journalists in Cameroon are often targeted by state security forces, non-state actors, and criminal networks. But for women, these risks are magnified  into gender-specific threats such as harassment, assault, and online abuse.

     “Female journalists in Cameroon, as well as across Africa, face a distinct set of gender threats that combine traditional risks to press freedom with gender-based violence in both physical and digital spaces,” he remarked.

    The Commissioner cited stark cases of female journalists’ harassments, including the 2022 assault on sports reporter Eyong Magdela Bissong, who was attacked by stadium officials and police, and the 2006 abduction of radio presenter Agnes Kalle Indwala. Testimonies further revealed cases where women reporting in crisis zones were threatened with sexual violence, or harassed by male sources demanding sexual favours in exchange for information. These cases, Commissioner Ngufor noted, reflect entrenched power imbalances and systemic impunity that silence women and weaken the media’s watchdog role.

    He further pointed out that the consequences of gender-based violence against journalists extend beyond the individual, silencing critical reporting on corruption, women’s rights, and minority issues, while instilling fear in others. Weak legal frameworks, stigma, underreporting, and lack of workplace protections continue to exacerbate the problem. The Commissioner emphasized the need for stronger policy actions, civil society engagement, and the implementation of international human rights standards such as the Maputo Protocol.

    Lessons from Iraq: Building Systems to Break Silence

    Dhea Subhee from UNESCO, drawing from Iraq’s experience, emphasized how entrenched impunity worsens journalist vulnerability. Between 2006 and 2020, Iraq lost more than 537 journalists to killings by militias, terrorists, and government forces. In response, UNESCO and partners established a national committee on the safety of journalists, which set up special investigation units, media courts, and a transformative digital reporting platform tailored for female journalists, such as the one developed by IAWRT.

     “We discovered that female journalists were in complete silence, never raising their voices to report violations. That is why we created a safe platform—so they no longer have to go to police stations, but can instead report directly to trusted bodies who will act on their behalf,” Dhea explained.

    In just four years, the platform received more than 5,000 reports, 68% of which involved online threats, blackmail, and sexualized disinformation campaigns. Drawing from Iraq’s model, it is evident that safe, trusted, and independent reporting mechanisms can break the culture of silence.

    In just four years, the platform received more than 5,000 reports, 68% of which involved online threats, blackmail, and sexualized disinformation campaigns. Drawing from Iraq’s model, it is evident that safe, trusted, and independent reporting mechanisms can break the culture of silence.

    The Call for Collaboration and Legal Action

    Other speakers emphasized collective solutions. Rachael Nakitare from  IAWRT-kenya  raised the painful reality of impunity in cases where journalists are attacked. “Who do we run to for protection?” She asked, highlighting the importance of tripartite agreements between law enforcement, legal practitioners, and media stakeholders. She explained how such frameworks ensure that cases are pursued with urgency and supported by pro bono legal aid when needed.

    From a legal perspective, William Oketch representing the Pan African Lawyers Union,  emphasized the need for accessible legal aid, media defence funds, and regional guidelines. He explained that in countries like Kenya, lawyers are mandated to dedicate hours to free legal service, which could be directed toward defending journalists. He further called for open-access libraries on media law, threat-tracking systems, and regional advocacy mechanisms. “Journalism is the most sacred profession, and God , whoever the different religions design Him to be was the first Editorial Manager” .

    Mr. Oketch  reflected. “I encourage all of us, let us not give up, and let us pull together in this partnership for the defence of journalism, and particularly our women journalists who face more harsher realities. We must defend it with all the tools available legal, institutional, and social.”

    Towards Safer Spaces for Women in Media

    When journalists, especially women, can report safely and have their cases acted upon, societies are better positioned to uphold press freedom and strengthen democracy. From the overview provided by the IAWRT Kenya chapter head, the journey towards enhancing press freedom and journalists safety continues through  reporting and monitoring of violation cases. IAWRT’s observatory supported by UNESCO captures cases across all African countries, connecting media workers with legal and enforcement partners. The platform also provides for language localization, enabling users across the globe to interact with it seamlessly.

    IAWRT Kenya continues to stand at the forefront of this fight, ensuring that no woman journalist is left voiceless or unprotected. To report a violation, visit the secure reporting platform here: Report a Violation