By  Philder Odanga As Kenya went to the polls during the 2022 General Election, journalists were on the front line of informing the public in a highly charged political environment. Alongside the physical risks of election coverage, another threat emerged quietly but persistently: online harassment, misinformation, and coordinated digital attacks targeting journalists, particularly women. According to the Media Council of Kenya (MCK), at least 43 journalists experienced harassment during the election period. While some incidents occurred in the field, a significant number played out on social media platforms, where journalists covering campaigns, voting, and results were accused of bias, misinformation, and political alignment. This story applies digital verification skills acquired through training by the International Association of Women in Radio and Television – Kenya ( IAWRT) to examine whether these online attacks reflected genuine public opinion or coordinated efforts to undermine journalism during a critical democratic moment. During key moments of the election period, including campaign rallies and the announcement of presidential results,  journalists who shared updates and analysis on X (formerly Twitter) faced a surge of hostile posts. The dominant claim pushed online was that the media was “working for politicians” and deliberately misleading voters. Hashtags attacking journalists and media houses trended for hours, accompanied by screenshots, edited clips, and emotionally charged language. At face value, the volume of posts suggested widespread public anger. Verification, however, required a closer look. Election-related posts attacking journalists were monitored over a 48-hour period following major election developments. Analysis of the posts revealed notable patterns. Multiple accounts shared identical or near-identical captions, reused the same images, and posted within short time intervals. AI-assisted text comparison tools helped highlight repeated phrasing and coordinated timing across accounts. While the tools did not determine intent or truth, they made visible similarities that warranted deeper human-led verification. Further checks on several accounts pushing the attacks raised red flags. Many profiles had been created recently and showed little activity beyond election-related posts. Some accounts had no personal information, no interaction with followers, and no presence on other social media platforms. Reverse image searches on selected profile photos revealed that some images had appeared elsewhere online, unrelated to Kenyan elections or journalism. One image was flagged by an AI image analysis tool as likely AI-generated, suggesting the account may not represent a real individual. These indicators pointed to possible coordinated amplification rather than spontaneous political expression. While journalists across the board faced online hostility, women journalists experienced a distinct form of attack. Many posts focused on their appearance, character, and personal lives instead of engaging with the substance of their reporting. Media monitoring reports and research on online harassment in Kenya have consistently shown that women journalists are more likely to face gendered abuse, especially during elections. Such attacks aim not only to discredit individual reporters but also to discourage women from participating in political journalism altogether. Insights from digital safety and verification sessions conducted under IAWRT training highlight how gendered disinformation intensifies during elections, when trust, credibility, and public perception are at stake. No single tool provided definitive proof. Verification relied on a structured process: identifying the claim, analyzing posting patterns, checking account authenticity, verifying images, and applying editorial judgment. AI tools supported the work by speeding up comparisons and flagging anomalies, but conclusions were reached through careful human verification and cross-checking with trusted sources. The findings align with broader conclusions by media watchdogs that online harassment of journalists during Kenya’s 2022 elections was, in some cases, amplified through coordinated digital behavior rather than organic public debate. Defending journalism during elections Elections are a test of democratic institutions, and journalism plays a central role in ensuring transparency and accountability. At the same time, journalists increasingly face digital threats designed to erode trust in their work and silence critical voices. Trainings by organizations such as the International Association of Women in Radio and Television Kenya (IAWRT) equips journalists with practical skills to verify online content, recognize manipulation, and protect their professional integrity in hostile digital spaces. As misinformation tactics continue to evolve, strong verification practices remain essential not only to safeguard journalism, but also to protect the public’s right to accurate information during elections.

By  Natalie Kakai The integration of AI for audience engagement and analytics marks a revolutionary shift in the career trajectory of women journalists, transforming how they interact with both their craft and their consumers. By moving beyond traditional storytelling into the realm of data-driven insights, we are gaining a sophisticated understanding of reader preferences and behavior patterns. The ability to analyze sentiment and recommendation algorithms allows us to move from intuitive reporting to evidence-based content creation. This shift doesn’t just improve the quality of the news but also alters our role as journalists, turning us into a strategic architect of information who knows exactly how to capture and hold public attention in a saturated digital market. While implementing AI-driven personalization strategies, productivity undergoes a radical evolution. No longer tethered to manual, time-consuming methods of gauging impact, we can now use automated analytics to inform editorial decisions in real-time. The technical fluency enables us to boost deliverables such as reach and retention with precision, ensuring that our reporting resonates with the communities we serve. By mastering tools that track performance and engagement, we can streamline our workflows by focusing our energy on high-impact investigative work while leaving the heavy lifting of data processing to intelligent systems. This training also serves as a critical bridge to leadership and industry competitiveness by fostering innovation through hands-on technical skills. When we learn these interactive communication tools, we are not just adapting to new tech but also leading the charge in how newsrooms engage with the public. This allows us as women to lead digital transformation projects that were once relegated and assigned solely to our male counterparts. Furthermore, by being part of AI communities, even as users, we help ground this innovation in the rigorous evaluation of ethical and privacy considerations, we position ourselves as a necessary moral compass for the future of automated journalism. Ultimately, the mastery of AI analytics serves as a powerful catalyst for professional growth and visibility. Integrating these tools into the editorial process allows women to demonstrate measurable impact, providing hard data to support their editorial instincts and career advancement. As we become experts in maximizing content performance through intelligent systems, we gain a significant edge in an increasingly competitive global market. This training ensures that women journalists are not merely keeping pace with the digital age but are actively defining its standards, ensuring their voices remain influential, productive, and indispensable to the future of the fourth estate. To showcase these AI skills effectively, we are able to frame them as strategic business assets rather than just technical proficiencies. We shift our narrative from “content creator” to “media strategist.” On our CV or portfolio, we can emphasize tangible outcomes by describing how you utilized AI-driven sentiment analysis and recommendation algorithms to measurably increase audience retention and reach. By presenting these competencies as a marriage of editorial intuition and data science, we as women journalists can position ourselves as a high-value innovator capable of leading digital transformation and ensuring the long-term competitiveness of any modern newsroom.

By  Natalie Kakai We are in 2026 and the fight against fake news has turned into a high-tech race. As women in the media, we are stepping up as the ultimate guardians of the truth. By mastering AI tools, we are moving past the slow, manual ways of checking facts. Now, we use smart systems to scan data and catch “information disorder” at a rate we couldn’t imagine before. Through the digital and AI training organised by IAWRT Kenya, we’re learning to spot the subtle tell-tale signs of a deepfake such as weird glitches in a person’s expression. This doesn’t just help us debunk fake images; it sets us up for our role in the newsroom and areas where we work. We are setting the bar for what is real and what is fake in this digital world. As we get ready for World Radio Day and its theme of “Radio and AI,” we can see the change and impact happening in our broadcasts too. Radio has always been about that personal, human connection. Today, we’re using AI to protect that bond. In our daily shows, we use tools to transcribe live audio and verify where a clip came from, making sure that what our listeners hear is always the truth. Artificial intelligence also makes radio much more inclusive. We can use AI to clean up audio, translate for different languages, and make shows accessible for everyone. On this World Radio Day, we celebrate that while tech gives us a bigger megaphone, it’s our commitment to the facts that keep our listeners trusting us and tuning in. Bringing AI into our daily newsroom routine is how we work faster and smarter. By letting AI handle repetitive tasks like double-checking claims or tracking digital watermarks, we get our time back. This lets us focus on the deep, investigative stories that really matter. It’s a huge win for us, as it puts us in charge of the digital tools that shape the future of our work. Of course, these tools are only useful if we use them honestly. In a world where “seeing is no longer believing,” keeping our audience’s trust is everything. We understand the importance of being open about how we use AI to vet a story. By leading the way in ethical AI, we make sure that our content serves the truth and our communities. When it comes to our careers, we can frame these skills as a major advantage. On our CVs, we aren’t just “reporters” anymore; we are experts at securing the truth. We can show how we used AI to verify our work or caught deep fakes that are communicated as facts. This proves we are high-value innovators who know how to protect the facts. By showing we can balance new tech with strong ethics, we position ourselves for leadership. We aren’t just keeping up with the changes in journalism; we are among the ones leading the way. In 2026, being a great journalist means being a defender of the truth, and AI is the best tool we have to get the job done.

By  Raylene Kambua The rapid evolution of technology continues to redefine journalism globally and Kenya is no exception. From digital platforms and mobile connectivity to AI-driven tools, the way news is gathered, produced, and consumed is changing fast. During a recent training session dubbed AI Ethics, policy, and responsible use in Journalism in Kenya and tailored for female journalists in Kenya, Dr. Grace Githaiga who led the session unpacked how Kenyan media houses are already integrating AI into newsroom workflows from content moderation and fact-checking to managing misinformation while also highlighting emerging risks such as deepfakes, algorithmic bias, and disrupted information ecosystems caused by instances of AI hallucinations and so much more. Dr. Grace underscored that while AI-powered tools (such as hybrid human-AI verification systems used by media houses and iVerify platform adopted by the Media Council of Kenya [MCK] ) can enhance efficiency and accuracy, editorial accountability must remain human-led. She also reflected on evolving policy efforts, including MCK’s move to integrate AI into the Code of Conduct, reinforcing that media houses remain ethically and legally responsible for AI-assisted content. Key takeaways from the session included: 🔺 Newsrooms must invest in strong verification and deepfake-monitoring tools 🔺 Transparency in AI use is critical to public trust 🔺 Ethical AI frameworks should guide newsroom adoption 🔺 Credibility is a competitive advantage in the digital age 🔺 Audience education and media information literacy are a public interest priority 🔺 AI should supplement editorial judgement but not replace it Here at International Association of Women in Radio and Television – Kenya we continue to empower female journalists across the country on AI and digital tools use, through sharing knowledge and tools necessary in this age of disruption in newsrooms.

By  Irene Nasimiyu Kenya ranks among the highest consumers of artificial intelligence globally, with tools such as ChatGPT leading the way. Recently, a friend introduced me to an online session by an AI Education Academy that focused on a critical conversation: the role of AI in Kenyan education. This discussion reinforced a key reality AI now touches every field, and no sector has been left behind. For media practitioners, however, the rapid rise of AI initially came as a shock. Many journalists feared that their jobs would be replaced almost immediately. Today, the reality in our newsrooms tells a different story. When used responsibly and effectively, AI tools have simplified our work and enhanced efficiency rather than replaced human judgment. In an era where a fake news tweet can circle the globe long before the truth is heard, the stakes for journalism have never been higher. Accuracy, verification, and public trust are more critical than ever. Since August last year, selected women journalists from media houses across the country have been participating in specialized monthly training sessions hosted by the International Association of Women in Radio and Television (IAWRT Kenya), with support from SIDA, APC, Google, and the Kenya Correspondents Association (KCA). The aim of these sessions has been to deepen journalists’ understanding of artificial intelligence and explore how it can be used effectively and ethically in the newsroom. One key lesson from the training is that while AI can assist in fact-checking, it should only be treated as a first draft. The human eye and judgment remains essential. Tools such as ChatGPT, Gemini, and NotebookLM are excellent for summarizing lengthy reports and organizing information, but they are not editors. They guide the process, yet they remain prone to errors and inaccuracies. For example, when a claim circulates about school principals inflating admission fees for Grade 10, or when a video of a politician making controversial remarks goes viral, the final responsibility lies with a human journalist. Verification still requires calling credible sources, confirming information directly, or physically visiting institutions to establish the truth. The most recent training session introduced us to practical verification techniques, including the use of LinkedIn for source validation, photo and video verification methods, and reverse image search tools to confirm the authenticity of digital content. As a direct outcome of this training, I have established a verification desk at my current radio station, Lubao FM, to ensure that our listeners receive accurate and credible information both on air and across our social media platforms. Above all, the training has reinforced the importance of valuing our audiences, our clients and listeners by consistently delivering truthful, verified, and responsible journalism.

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.

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

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.

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.

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.