Home › Blog › Mentorship Kenya’s AI Future Must Be Inclusive 3 August 2026 4 min read Mentorship By Nelly M. Nyangorora Public consultations on Kenya’s draft Artificial Intelligence and Emerging. Technologies Policy end this week. Before us is a document that many experts have described as impressive. It envisions sovereign data centres, green compute zones and a National AI Council to regulate frontier technologies. It speaks the language of risk-based governance, digital sovereignty and ethical innovation. But as media professionals who have spent decades amplifying voices that rarely reach the national frequency, we at the International Association of Women in Radio and Television (IAWRT) submitted our reflections with one question in mind: who gets to speak in Kenya’s AI future, and in what language? The draft policy emphasises domestic compute infrastructure, sovereign cloud arrangements and local data hosting, with the stated aim of building systems that serve Kenyans. Yet on language accessibility, it adopts a non-committal tone. It proposes to “promote” the inclusion of local languages, equitable access and participatory design. In policy and legislative grammar, “promote” is the diplomatic cousin of “hopefully”: it signals intention without obligation. In a country where English and Kiswahili dominate official discourse while more than 40 indigenous languages carry the daily weight of commerce, culture and community aspiration, “promote” without enforcement becomes another word for exclusion. The Constitution of Kenya recognises indigenous languages and Kenya Sign Language as part of our national heritage. Broadcasters, especially on radio, have long understood that reaching rural audiences requires speaking in Ekegusii, Dholuo, Borana or Kikuyu, not just standard Kiswahili. The AI policy that will govern automated public services, diagnostic tools and educational platforms must treat language as a right to be protected, not a feature to be added later. If a farmer in Bungoma cannot query an AI-enabled agricultural extension service in her mother tongue, the algorithm is not serving her. If a deaf or hard-of-hearing person cannot access government services because a health chatbot excludes Kenya Sign Language, the system is not merely inconvenient; it is discriminatory. If county governments are expected to deploy AI tools but are given no mandate to align them with the linguistic realities of their constituents, devolution becomes a mirage. Globally, jurisdictions embracing AI governance are moving from voluntary guidance to mandatory multilingualism. They are treating language as a foundational design requirement. According to India’s Press Information Bureau, Bhashini, a public digital infrastructure launched under the National Language Translation Mission, hosts more than 350 AI language models covering 22 scheduled languages, while the Project Vaani initiative is extending coverage to 59 languages and dialects through open datasets and open APIs. There, multilingualism is the default, enabling speech-to-text, translation and conversational AI in languages such as Tamil, Bengali and Punjabi. It demonstrates that low-resource languages can be served at scale when the state treats them as strategic infrastructure. The draft policy is also silent on whose knowledge qualifies as data. Indigenous oral histories, community-held linguistic archives and culturally specific ways of knowing do not always fit neatly into conventional data protection frameworks designed around individual consent. When a language spoken by a few thousand elders is extracted to train a commercial AI model without communal consent or benefit sharing, the practice is not ethical. Kenya needs safeguards that recognise indigenous language data as communal heritage, governed by free, prior and informed consent, not treated as raw input for model training. We, as women in media, also ask: who is in the room when AI governance decisions are made? The proposed National AI Council includes seats for industry, academia and generic civil society representation. But technologies that shape information access, automated hiring, credit scoring and content moderation require voices that understand how these systems can disadvantage women, persons with disabilities and minority communities. AI learns from biased data and is deployed by institutions with blind spots. The draft policy must not replicate existing inequalities. Women must be deliberately included at the AI decision-making table, and gender-disaggregated impact assessments must be required. As the Ministry of Information, Communications and the Digital Economy moves from consultation to drafting, we urge it to consider the fundamentals captured in IAWRT’s submissions: mandate, rather than merely encourage, multilingual accessibility in all publicly funded AI systems; set clear enforcement timelines; recognise Kenya Sign Language in public-facing digital services; empower counties to align AI deployment with local linguistic realities; protect communal data sovereignty; make indigenous language communities stewards of their linguistic heritage; and diversify the National AI Council to include linguists, PWD representatives, community media practitioners and gender experts. Kenya is viewed as a regional leader in digital innovation. Africa is looking to us to show that we can build an AI governance model rooted in our context, not a copy-and-paste version of Brussels or Silicon Valley. We need AI systems that a pastoralist in Isiolo can use to access climate information in their language; that a deaf student in Nyeri can use to learn through AI-assisted KSL resources; and that a rural broadcaster in Shinyalu can use without surrendering her community’s voice to proprietary algorithms. At IAWRT Kenya, we will continue to monitor, advocate and amplify, because meaningful connectivity is about being heard. Nelly Moraa Nyangorora is an independent editor, journalist, and Ethics and Responsible AI (ERAI) Fellow with more than 28 years of experience in journalism, communications, and public policy. She is a former Chief Parliamentary Editor at the Kenya Broadcasting Corporation (KBC), where she pioneered live commentary of parliamentary proceedings under Kenya’s Parliamentary Broadcast Unit, building extensive expertise in legislative and policy reporting. She holds a postgraduate qualification in Reporting Climate Change from Università Telematica Internazionale UNINETTUNO, Italy, and writes on the intersection of artificial intelligence, climate, health, governance, and digital rights. Share this story Share on X Share on Facebook Share on LinkedIn Share on WhatsApp Share by email Are you a woman working in media? Join IAWRT Kenya for training, mentorship, fellowships and a supportive network of women media practitioners. Become a Member
Kenya Media Sector Working Group Demands Greater Protection for Journalists Ahead of 2027 Elections
Home › Blog › Mentorship Kenya Media Sector Working Group Demands Greater Protection for Journalists Ahead of 2027 Elections 29 July 2026 2 min read Mentorship By Carole Gachacha The Kenya Media Sector Working Group (KMSWG), a coalition of 26 media organizations, has called for urgent measures to protect journalists ahead of the 2027 General Election, warning that increasing attacks against media personnel pose a serious threat to press freedom and democracy. Addressing a press conference in Nairobi, the Secretary-General of the Kenya Union of Journalists, Erick Oduor, expressed concern over what he described as a growing pattern of intimidation, harassment, and violence targeting journalists while carrying out their duties. Oduor said the attacks reflect a blatant disregard for the rule of law and undermine the constitutional rights to freedom of expression and access to information. Oduor said journalists continue to risk their lives to report on elections, governance, human rights, and other matters of public interest, yet many have been assaulted by both police officers and hired gangs. He added that several journalists are still recovering from injuries sustained while covering demonstrations, while others have had their equipment confiscated or destroyed by hostile mobs. The Working Group accused security agencies of failing to adequately protect journalists despite repeated appeals. It also cited Kenya’s decline in the World Press Freedom Index as an indication of the deteriorating environment for media freedom.The coalition called for immediate investigations into attacks on journalists and the prosecution of police officers and other individuals found responsible. It further urged the government to establish a clear framework for the protection of journalists, ensure injured media workers receive prompt medical treatment, and include affected journalists among those eligible for state compensation arising from recent protests. Oduor said the coalition had previously held meetings with senior police commanders, who pledged to improve the safety of journalists but had failed to honour those commitments. He warned that the coalition would announce further action if its demands were not addressed. The Working Group also appealed to media owners to improve the welfare of journalists by providing comprehensive medical insurance, protective gear, and fair remuneration. It proposed a minimum 12 percent salary increase, in line with the President’s directive. The coalition urged political leaders to respect the independence of the media, stressing that journalists should never become collateral damage in political disputes. It also called on regional and international bodies to condemn attacks against journalists and support efforts to safeguard media freedom in Kenya. The Kenya Media Sector Working Group said it has so far submitted the names of four affected journalists for compensation and encouraged other journalists injured while covering the Gen Z protests to come forward and register their claims. Share this story Share on X Share on Facebook Share on LinkedIn Share on WhatsApp Share by email Are you a woman working in media? Join IAWRT Kenya for training, mentorship, fellowships and a supportive network of women media practitioners. Become a Member More stories All Stories All Posts Articles Mentorship Networking 31 August, 2026 Reporting Violations Against Female Journalists: A Shared Responsibility Home › Blog › Articles Reporting Violations Against Female Journalists: A Shared Responsibility 31 August 2026 4 min read Articles By IAWRT… Read story 24 August, 2026 What a Year of Tracking and Mapping Online Gender-Based Violence Against Women in Media Revealed Home › Blog › Articles What a Year of Tracking and Mapping Online Gender-Based Violence Against Women in Media Revealed 24 August… Read story 21 August, 2026 Media Observatory – Challenges And Prospects Home › Blog › Mentorship Media Observatory – Challenges And Prospects 21 August 2026 2 min read Mentorship By William Okech, OGW. … Read story
Threatened Press Freedom in Kenya and East Africa
Home › Blog › Articles Threatened Press Freedom in Kenya and East Africa 27 July 2026 3 min read Articles By Raylenne Kambua Press freedom in Kenya and across East Africa is facing a dangerous and unprecedented decline. Once regarded as a regional beacon of media independence, Kenya is now grappling with a rapidly shrinking civic space, escalating violence against journalists, and systemic impunity that threatens the very foundations of democracy. A recent statement by the Kenya Media Sector Working Group (KMSWG) paints a stark picture of this reality, warning that media freedom in the region is deteriorating, particularly as Kenya approaches the 2027 General Elections. The coalition notes that journalists are increasingly being targeted by state and non-state actors, including politicians and organized criminal gangs often referred to as goons, in what appears to be a coordinated effort to suppress truth and accountability. The Rise of Violence and “Goonism” in Kenya One of the most alarming trends highlighted is the rise of “goonism”. Organized gangs are deliberately deployed to attack journalists, disrupt reporting, and destroy equipment, obstructing the documentation of events, particularly in politically charged environments. Journalists covering protests, political rallies, and public interest stories have found themselves at the receiving end of violence from both hired thugs and, at times, state security forces. These occurrences underscore the growing normalization of violence that has led to increased self-censorship, fear, and a breakdown in the rule of law. This trend is not merely a threat to individual journalists but also an existential threat to democracy. When journalists are silenced, the public is denied access to information, accountability is weakened, and political actors operate without scrutiny. Election Cycles as Flashpoints for Press Violations Historically, election periods in Kenya have been among the most dangerous times for journalists, and the current trajectory suggests that the 2027 elections may follow this troubling pattern. According to KMSWG, election cycles intensify hostility toward the media, as political actors seek to control narratives and limit scrutiny. Recent by-elections and protest coverage in Kenya have already demonstrated how volatile political environments expose journalists to heightened risks. Incidents such as the shooting of journalists while on duty and the harassment of reporters at political events underscore how easily the line between political contestation and targeted violence against the press is crossed. Regional Trends The crisis facing press freedom is not confined to Kenya. Across East Africa, similar patterns of repression are emerging. The KMSWG expresses solidarity with journalists in neighbouring countries, citing the military-backed siege and closure of media houses in Uganda and the enforcement of media restrictions and internet shutdowns during elections in Tanzania. This regional dimension underscores the need for collective action. As noted in the statement, the assault on journalism is a “regional contagion” that demands a unified response from governments, media stakeholders, and civil society. The Kenya Union of Journalists (KUJ) Secretary General, speaking at the KMSWG press briefing, strongly condemned the ongoing attacks and emphasized the urgent need for state protection of journalists. Equally important was the Secretary General’s expression of solidarity with journalists across East Africa, recognizing that the fight for press freedom transcends national borders. Institutional Failures and Industry Gaps Beyond state responsibility, the KMSWG statement also calls attention to shortcomings within the media industry itself. Journalists are often deployed to high-risk assignments, such as protests and crime scenes, without adequate protection, insurance, or psychosocial support. This lack of institutional support exacerbates the vulnerabilities faced by journalists, effectively placing them in harm’s way without sufficient safeguards. Addressing press freedom, therefore, requires not only government accountability but also reforms within media institutions to prioritize the welfare and safety of their staff. A Call for Accountability and Action As part of the KMSWG coalition, IAWRT Kenya is committed to defending press freedom and safeguarding journalists, particularly women who face targeted and gendered attacks. We will actively pursue justice for cases reported on our platform and strengthen efforts toward justice and accountability. We urge government institutions, media houses, and the public to stand with journalists and protect the fundamental right to information. To restore public trust in institutions and reaffirm the role of the media as a cornerstone of democracy, the KMSWG continues to call for accountability for attacks on journalists, stronger protection frameworks from the Ministry of Interior, and a zero-tolerance policy on violence against the press. Share this story Share on X Share on Facebook Share on LinkedIn Share on WhatsApp Share by email Are you a woman working in media? Join IAWRT Kenya for training, mentorship, fellowships and a supportive network of women media practitioners. Become a Member More stories All Stories All Posts Articles Mentorship Networking 31 August, 2026 Reporting Violations Against Female Journalists: A Shared Responsibility Home › Blog › Articles Reporting Violations Against Female Journalists: A Shared Responsibility 31 August 2026 4 min read Articles By IAWRT… Read story 24 August, 2026 What a Year of Tracking and Mapping Online Gender-Based Violence Against Women in Media Revealed Home › Blog › Articles What a Year of Tracking and Mapping Online Gender-Based Violence Against Women in Media Revealed 24 August… Read story 21 August, 2026 Media Observatory – Challenges And Prospects Home › Blog › Mentorship Media Observatory – Challenges And Prospects 21 August 2026 2 min read Mentorship By William Okech, OGW. … Read story
Enhancing Media Capacity on Reporting Family Law in Kenya: Ethics, Accuracy, and Accountability
Home › Blog › Articles Enhancing Media Capacity on Reporting Family Law in Kenya: Ethics, Accuracy, and Accountability 26 June 2026 3 min read Articles On June 12, African Women and Child Feature Services (AWCFS), with support from UN Women, convened a media learning session on Family and Personal Law. Conducted by FIDA Kenya, the training aimed to strengthen journalists’ understanding and reporting of issues affecting women, children, and families in Kenya. At a time when family disputes frequently make headlines, the session underscored how critical media reports on family law can either advance justice or undermine it. Family law stories are some of the most sensitive and consequential beats in journalism. They sit at the intersection of law, culture, gender, and human vulnerability, shaping not only public discourse but also real-life outcomes for individuals and families. As such, strengthening media capacity to report on family law is critical, as media reports on family law can either advance justice or undermine it. Why Family Law Matters in Journalism Family law is not just about private disputes—it is a public interest issue. The way journalists report on matters such as marriage, divorce, custody, inheritance, and gender-based violence directly shapes how society understands rights and justice. Responsible reporting: Shapes public understanding of legal rights and obligations Promotes access to justice by demystifying legal processes Influences societal attitudes toward women, children, and vulnerable groups Holds institutions accountable in the administration of justice Conversely, poor reporting risks misinforming the public, interfering with judicial processes. and deepening harm for already vulnerable individuals. Kenya’s Legal Framework: What Journalists Should Know Understanding these frameworks enables journalists to contextualize cases, interpret court decisions correctly, and avoid misleading narratives. Key statutes include: Constitution of Kenya 2010 – Guarantees equality, dignity, and protection of the family Marriage Act 2014 – Recognises civil, customary, and religious marriages Matrimonial Property Act 2013 – Governs property rights within marriage Children Act 2022 – Safeguards children’s rights and welfare Law of Succession Act – Regulates inheritance and estate management Ethical Reporting: Non-Negotiable Standards 1. Protect Identities Journalists should avoid direct and indirect identifiers. Protecting identity is both a legal obligation and an ethical duty. They must safeguard: Children in custody or succession cases Survivors of gender-based violence Vulnerable families and widows 2. Verify Facts Accuracy is essential as misreporting could mislead and distort justice. Journalists should: Use court records and official sources Distinguish between allegations, findings, and judgments Avoid hearsay and one-sided narratives Apply correct legal terminology 3. Avoid Sensationalism Family law reporting is particularly vulnerable to sensationalism. Headlines like “family war over land” or “battle for millions” may attract attention but undermine public understanding. Instead, reporting should remain factual, measured, and legally grounded. Sensationalism erodes trust and trivializes serious legal issues Journalists should avoid: Turning disputes into entertainment Over-dramatizing conflict or suffering Framing women or children as antagonists 4. Use Survivor-Centred Reporting A survivor-centred approach places dignity and safety first as rights holders. This includes: Respecting consent and minimizing harm Avoiding blame or stigmatizing language Centering stories on rights, justice, recovery, and accountability The Cost of Getting It Wrong Accuracy and empathy are foundational principles in reporting. Sensational and unethical reporting carries real consequences that include: Distorted public perception of justice Reinforcement of harmful gender stereotypes Increased stigma and fear among victims Erosion of trust in both media and legal systems Conclusion Having established ethical standards, attention must now turn to commonly misunderstood areas and myths within the Family Law, and shed more light on issues that continue to generate both legal disputes and media misrepresentation. Strengthening media capacity in family law reporting is ultimately about safeguarding justice. When journalists combine legal literacy with ethical rigor, they help build a more informed, fair, and accountable society through their stories. Speakers At The Session Share this story Share on X Share on Facebook Share on LinkedIn Share on WhatsApp Share by email Are you a woman working in media? Join IAWRT Kenya for training, mentorship, fellowships and a supportive network of women media practitioners. Become a Member More stories All Stories All Posts Articles Mentorship Networking 31 August, 2026 Reporting Violations Against Female Journalists: A Shared Responsibility Home › Blog › Articles Reporting Violations Against Female Journalists: A Shared Responsibility 31 August 2026 4 min read Articles By IAWRT… Read story 24 August, 2026 What a Year of Tracking and Mapping Online Gender-Based Violence Against Women in Media Revealed Home › Blog › Articles What a Year of Tracking and Mapping Online Gender-Based Violence Against Women in Media Revealed 24 August… Read story 21 August, 2026 Media Observatory – Challenges And Prospects Home › Blog › Mentorship Media Observatory – Challenges And Prospects 21 August 2026 2 min read Mentorship By William Okech, OGW. … Read story
Shaping Kenya’s Digital Policy Agenda at the Africa Tech Policy Summit (2026)
Home › Blog › Articles Shaping Kenya’s Digital Policy Agenda at the Africa Tech Policy Summit (2026) 4 June 2026 4 min read Articles On May 21st, KICTANet hosted the 19th Kenya Internet Governance Forum (KeIGF), the main flagship event of the Africa Tech Policy Summit (AfTPS), convening the government, civil society, academia, the private sector and other stakeholders, in the spirit of multistakeholderism, for Kenya’s premier digital policy forum. Kenya is hosting the 21st Global Internet Governance Forum in December 2026, making it the first African country to do so twice. That changes the character of every national IGF that precedes it, as the positions Kenya takes in its own forums become the positions it carries to the world stage. KICTANet CEO Grace Githaiga underscored this moment. Kenya’s 23 million internet users and near-universal 4G coverage are significant milestones, but they mask deeper structural gaps. Africa supplies critical raw materials powering the global AI ecosystem, yet it remains marginal in value capture and infrastructure ownership. The central question remains: who governs Kenya’s digital future, and in whose interest? Liz Orembo, Chair of the KeIGF Multistakeholder Advisory Group, gave the forum its operating instruction that each session should produce at least one concrete idea actionable before December. Not another report. Not a recommendation to form a committee. Something real. “If we move from admiring and discussing problems to finding solutions, Kenya IGF will have done its job.” – Liz Orembo Youth as Agenda Setters IAWRT Kenya was a partner organisation of the Kenya Youth IGF, a flagship event of the Africa Tech Policy Summit. Under the theme “Digital Future, Youth Voice: Shaping Kenya’s Internet Governance Agenda,” the Youth IGF, addressed AI governance, data sovereignty, cybersecurity, digital rights, Web3, access, affordability, and regional perspectives. These are not abstract issues. Young people are already navigating AI-driven disruption in content creation/production, online harassment, and precarious platform-based livelihoods. The forum concluded with a Youth Position Paper submitted to the national IGF delegation and forms a direct input into the global IGF process, alongside contributions from over 165 countries.IAWRT Kenya’s involvement reflects our core belief that young women in media and technology must shape the policies that will define their futures. Key Themes at the AfTPS AI governance. Every room touched it. Who writes the rules? Whose data trains the systems? Who is accountable when it goes wrong? For women journalists, the specific threat is AI-generated deepfakes and synthetic media, tools already being used to discredit and harass. These concerns need to be at the centre of Kenya’s December contribution Data sovereignty. Kenya has built the infrastructure. The harder question is whether it serves Kenya. Discussions pointed to a pattern across Africa: infrastructure investment without corresponding control over data flows or value chains. Getting this right shapes the regulatory environment for every media organisation and digital platform operating here. Access and affordability. 4G coverage on a map is not the same as women in rural Siaya or Marsabit having meaningful internet access. Cost, devices, literacy, and the specific barriers facing women in media outside urban centres persist. These form some of the gaps our programmes are designed to close. Online safety and democratic freedoms. For women in media, online violence is not an abstract policy concern. It is a reason journalists self-censor, leave the profession, or don’t enter it at all. The IGF is one of the few spaces where this gets named as a structural governance issue, not a personal problem. Our Work At IAWRT Kenya, engagement in these forums is directly tied to action. Our work includes: Training women journalists in AI literacy, verification, and fact-checking Delivering digital safety and security training Building media literacy among rural women Mentoring female journalism students Researching gender, media, and digital rights Our participation in these conversations strengthens this pipeline by ensuring women in media are not only reporting on policy but also actively shaping it. What Comes Next With the global IGF six months away, the focus must shift to delivery. The value of this year’s KeIGF will ultimately be measured by the implementation of the commitments made.For IAWRT Kenya, the plan is unchanged: train more women on AI and digital tools, show up in spaces where internet rules are being written, and push for an internet governance framework that treats online gender-based violence as the digital rights issue it is and support digital inclusion through community networks and research. As Kenya prepares to host the world, exclusion from digital governance is not accidental. It is a policy outcome. And its consequences are real, shaping whose voices are heard, whose safety is protected, and whose futures are built into the digital systems we create. The work ahead is not just to participate in global conversations, but to ensure they reflect the realities and rights of all. Moments At The Conference Share this story Share on X Share on Facebook Share on LinkedIn Share on WhatsApp Share by email Are you a woman working in media? Join IAWRT Kenya for training, mentorship, fellowships and a supportive network of women media practitioners. Become a Member More stories All Stories All Posts Articles Mentorship Networking 31 August, 2026 Reporting Violations Against Female Journalists: A Shared Responsibility Home › Blog › Articles Reporting Violations Against Female Journalists: A Shared Responsibility 31 August 2026 4 min read Articles By IAWRT… Read story 24 August, 2026 What a Year of Tracking and Mapping Online Gender-Based Violence Against Women in Media Revealed Home › Blog › Articles What a Year of Tracking and Mapping Online Gender-Based Violence Against Women in Media Revealed 24 August… Read story 21 August, 2026 Media Observatory – Challenges And Prospects Home › Blog › Mentorship Media Observatory – Challenges And Prospects 21 August 2026 2 min read Mentorship By William Okech, OGW. … Read story
ISOC Kenya Hosts the 3RD National Community Networks Summit
Home › Blog ISOC Kenya Hosts the 3RD National Community Networks Summit 26 May 2026 6 min read By Raylenne Kambua The Internet Society Kenya Chapter (ISOC Kenya) hosted the Third National Community Networks Summit from May 13–15, 2026, at the 777 Recreational Centre in Machakos Town. Building on the community-driven spirit of the 2024 Akala and 2025 Mathare editions, the summit convened under the theme: “Innovating for Grassroots Digital Access and Community Connectivity.” With an estimated 2.6 billion people still offline globally, and Africa accounting for a disproportionate share and with only 35% of Kenya’s entire population online, the summit was a timely reminder that connectivity is not just a technical problem, it is a social, economic and political one. This year’s gathering pushed the conversation further, asking not just how to connect communities, but why and for whom. Pre-Summit Workshop: From Innovation Ecosystems to Digital Safety Delegates kicked off the summit with a guided tour of the Konza Technopolis development corridor, offering a vivid look at Kenya’s ambitions for a nationally integrated digital economy. The tour underscored the gap between large-scale digital infrastructure and the grassroots connectivity needs of underserved communities. Speakers from the Open University of Kenya, the Communications Authority of Kenya and ISOC Kenya framed community networks as a critical bridge for populations that commercial providers and ISPs routinely overlook. Roadmap for Community Networks The main summit day opened with a vision of where community networks stand and where they need to go. Representatives from ACNke, Communications Authority (CA), APC, ICAAN,AFRALTI, UKAID’s Digital Access Programme and ISOC Global outlined the landscape, stressing that the ecosystem requires not just technical solutions but coherent policy, funding clarity and cross-sector collaboration. A notable highlight raised by Barrack Otieno of ACNke: a 4G pilot project is currently underway in Kajiado, exploring whether community networks could extend beyond wireless hotspots and fibre into full mobile infrastructure, a potential game-changer for rural coverage. Additionally, the President of ISOC Kenya emphasized that connecting the unconnected is not just about access, but about nation-building. He noted that community networks (CNs) are critical to bridging connectivity gaps, especially in underserved areas, and reaffirmed that the internet has become an essential need across the country. He urged stakeholders to strengthen and expand the community network ecosystem to ensure inclusive and affordable internet access for all. Community Networks in Kenya — Challenges, Solutions & Stories from the Communities The most resonant session of the summit gave the floor to community network operators rarely heard in formal policy spaces. Operators from Tanda, Global Innovation Valley, Gonline Africa, Kijiji Yeetu, ALINET and Tech Village shared their journeys. The excitement of connecting a community for the first time, the fatigue of keeping equipment running on shoestring budgets, and the pride of watching a local entrepreneur thrive because of affordable internet access. Common challenges ran through every testimony: costly and complex spectrum licensing, equipment financing that is nearly inaccessible through conventional channels, persistent vandalism, and a scarcity of locally relevant content in the languages and formats communities actually use. Yet the operators embodied resilience. “We connected our community not because someone gave us permission. We did it because our people needed it.” Success, as the panel defined it, looked like a rural school accessing digital learning, a women’s savings group managing finances online, and a farmer checking commodity prices before heading to market. Women were strongly encouraged to enter the space, with speakers pointing to how connectivity has transformed livelihoods, particularly for fishing communities in Kwale County, where it has improved both income and access to information. Each network measured impact on its own terms. Ateker ties success to sustainability and food security. Global Innovation Valley is anchored by its mission to connect refugees in Turkana. Gonline Africa advances community impact through digital upskilling that extends beyond its immediate location. Kijiji Yeetu envisions a future where students access education and community information without limits. Tanda, rooted in Kibera’s 13 villages, holds that real connectivity means power and internet together because neither works without the other. Compliance, Licensing, Spectrum & Funding Regulatory officers from the Communications Authority of Kenya presented the current licensing framework for community networks, including a USF overview and findings from the Broadband Access Gap Study. The CA signalled that regulatory changes in the next financial year could ease barriers, with simplified licensing pathways and potential 4G spectrum access for community deployments on the horizon. The CA issued a challenge: Reach 100 licensed and operational community networks in Kenya by end of 2026. Regulatory support, technical guidance and USF-backed funding are available for networks that formalise their operations, a signal that the government is ready to treat community networks as serious infrastructure partners, not informal experiments. Community Network Practices Across Africa Voices from ISOC chapters in Ghana, Zambia and Tanzania offered a continental perspective on how their ecosystems are evolving, sharing policy wins, funding models that work, and cautionary lessons. Despite differing contexts, the barriers are strikingly similar: licensing complexity, equipment costs, skills gaps and the need for locally relevant content. Dr. Nazar Nicholus, President of ISOC Tanzania, was emphatic on the question of ownership insisting that sustainable models must be rooted in communities that take pride in building and maintaining their own infrastructure. Kenya’s role as a potential model for the continent, and the responsibility that comes with it, was a thread that ran through the entire session. Academia & Digital Education for Community Networks Scholars and educators from the Open University of Kenya and Daystar University examined how universities and vocational institutions can serve as genuine anchors for community networks through curriculum development, practical attachment programmes and embedded innovation labs, not just research outputs. Critically, experts argued that community networks must be part of Kenya’s AI readiness agenda: not as passive recipients of technology, but as active participants shaping how AI reaches the grassroots. “We need to be bold enough to imagine a Kenya where connectivity is not a privilege but a shared public good that
Kenya Community Networks Push for Sustainable, Meaningful Connectivity
Home › Blog › Articles Kenya Community Networks Push for Sustainable, Meaningful Connectivity 18 May 2026 3 min read Articles By Nelly Moraa Nyangorora Stakeholders at a national summit in Machakos called for stronger investment, policy support and collaboration to make community networks more useful to underserved communities. Stakeholders in Kenya’s digital access sector are calling for stronger institutional support, investment and collaboration to make community networks more sustainable and more useful to the communities they serve. At the 3rd National Community Networks Summit in Machakos, participants said the debate is shifting from simply expanding internet access to ensuring connectivity supports livelihoods, education, civic participation and other practical community needs. The three-day summit, organised by the Internet Society of Kenya (ISOC), brought together community network operators, universities, internet governance actors, researchers, technical experts and development partners to discuss how best to bridge Kenya’s digital divide. Globally, an estimated 2.6 billion people remain offline, with Africa accounting for a significant share of the unconnected population. Bob Ochieng, senior director of the New Generic Top-Level Domain (NgTLD) Program, urged community networks to develop stronger institutional structures as they seek to reach populations often overlooked by large commercial providers. “The challenge is monumental. It is not just connecting the next one billion or two billion. We go to the question of the last one billion,” he said. “You have to aim to be a proper institution with proper records, proper documents, proper licenses, so that you can attract meaningful investment.” Much of the discussion focused on whether community networks can remain viable unless they deliver direct value to users. Technologist Michuki Mwangi said affordability alone does not determine whether people prioritize internet access. “If I have to choose between buying food and connectivity that I’m only using for entertainment, the priority will go to food,” he said. “But if connectivity gives humanity value tomorrow, then maybe it becomes a priority.” Participants said the long-term sustainability of community networks will depend on their ability to support local livelihoods, learning, local content creation and civic engagement. Scholars at the summit also argued that connectivity should be treated as part of a wider local digital ecosystem involving schools, universities, creators, businesses, civil society and participatory media spaces. Professor Carolyne Omulando of the Open University said Kenya should begin to view connectivity as a shared public good. “We need to be bold enough to imagine a Kenya where connectivity is not a privilege but a shared public good that reaches every community,” she said. Dr. Caroline Muaka of Daystar University said universities have an important role to play through research, innovation labs and practical partnerships that respond to community needs. “This is where we have the oven for cooking things, because we cook so many things, and we don’t know — some of them bake up and become good, some of them don’t bake, some of them don’t cook,” she said. “But that is the university’s oven of research, innovation and trying to cook things to see how they work and how they can go back to the community.” Dennis Sonoiya of the Communications Authority of Kenya said a pilot project is underway in Kajiado to assess whether community networks could eventually operate 4G mobile infrastructure in addition to existing wireless and fibre-based models. He also pointed to possible regulatory changes in the next financial year that could ease licensing barriers for community networks. “Right now, we are limited to doing wireless hotspots and maybe fibre. Imagine being able to add on 4G. It increases your opportunity to have a mobile network,” he said. Youth participation, digital skills and digital safety also emerged as key themes, with ISOC Kenya President Alphonce Odhiambo calling for greater involvement of students and young people in community-centered digital ecosystems. And perhaps one of the strongest reflections was Mwangi Michuki’s brief but poignant quote, “There is nothing as expensive as running an empty internet.” Photo Gallery: At the 3rd National Community Networks Summit in Machakos – March 27,2026. ×❮❯ Share this story Share on X Share on Facebook Share on LinkedIn Share on WhatsApp Share by email Are you a woman working in media? Join IAWRT Kenya for training, mentorship, fellowships and a supportive network of women media practitioners. Become a Member More stories All Stories All Posts Articles Mentorship Networking 31 August, 2026 Reporting Violations Against Female Journalists: A Shared Responsibility Home › Blog › Articles Reporting Violations Against Female Journalists: A Shared Responsibility 31 August 2026 4 min read Articles By IAWRT… Read story 24 August, 2026 What a Year of Tracking and Mapping Online Gender-Based Violence Against Women in Media Revealed Home › Blog › Articles What a Year of Tracking and Mapping Online Gender-Based Violence Against Women in Media Revealed 24 August… Read story 21 August, 2026 Media Observatory – Challenges And Prospects Home › Blog › Mentorship Media Observatory – Challenges And Prospects 21 August 2026 2 min read Mentorship By William Okech, OGW. … Read story
Africa’s Press Freedom Agenda
Home › Blog Africa’s Press Freedom Agenda 12 May 2026 4 min read By Raylenne Kambua World Press Freedom Day (WPFD) 2026, held in Lusaka, unfolded as both a celebration and a moment of reckoning for journalism across Africa. Against a backdrop of shifting political, technological, and economic pressures, this year’s commemoration brought together journalists, policymakers, civil society actors, and media development partners to reflect on the state of press freedom and to chart a path forward. Running in parallel was the Africa Media Congress, which attracted a wide cross-section of media stakeholders from across the continent. These convenings created a critical space for dialogue, convergence, and renewed commitment to the principles of independent and pluralistic media systems first articulated in the Windhoek Declaration. A Continent in Conversation As echoed in the keynote reflections, the day is rooted in Africa’s own struggle for truth, dignity, and democratic accountability. The return of global commemorations to the continent underscored this legacy, even as recent developments cast a shadow over the proceedings as Churchill Otieno, the immediate former Chairman of the AMC Steering Committee highlighted. Concerns emerged following the reported cancellation of RightsCon in Lusaka, raising broader questions about freedom of expression, assembly, and civic space. These tensions were not treated as isolated incidents, but as part of a wider pattern across the continent where journalists increasingly face detention, intimidation, surveillance, and legal harassment. From the detention of journalists in Tunisia, to reported arrests and intimidation in Mozambique, to the devastating toll of conflict on media practitioners in Sudan. The recognition of the Sudanese Journalists Syndicate with the 2026 UNESCO World Press Freedom Prize served as both a tribute to resilience and a sobering reminder of the risks journalists continue to face. Gender, Safety, and Structural Inequality A key highlight of the week was a session led in collaboration with WAN-IFRA, which placed gender equality at the centre of the discussions. The panel brought together perspectives from research, policy and funding to interrogate how gender-based harassment and systemic inequalities shape newsroom environments and journalistic output. The session aligned with ongoing global research initiatives under WAN-IFRA’s Women in News programme, in partnership with BBC Media Action and City St George’s, University of London. It also complemented insights from UNESCO’s World Trends Report, particularly its focus on online harassment. Gender-based violence both offline and online limits participation, shapes editorial decisions, and ultimately weakens press freedom and public trust. Addressing these challenges demands sustained political will, targeted funding, and structural reforms within media institutions. Regional Monitoring and Response The International Association of Women in Radio and Television (IAWRT Kenya) was actively represented in these conversations, with its chair Josephine Karani contributing to discussions on regional monitoring and response mechanisms for attacks against women journalists. Drawing from an initiative supported by UNESCO’s International Programme for the Development of Communication (IPDC), IAWRT highlighted ongoing efforts to document violations, including the development of a digital observatory that tracks threats. The tool, which has so far recorded over 200 violation cases against female journalists in Africa, is vital in providing evidence-based advocacy and informing policy interventions. To strengthen accountability and response, IAWRT is also working with Pan African Lawyers Union (PALU) to advance the legal dimension of these cases. “Each case will be handled by the designated PALU member in the respective country, who will serve as the focal point for legal assistance, coordination with the affected journalist, and reporting to PALU on case progress.” Affirmed, Josephine Karani. As part of the implementation framework, each country or region will have a designated lawyer confirmed at the outset to ensure coordinated, context-specific legal response and sustained follow-through on cases. A Sector Under Pressure Beyond safety and rights, the Africa Media Congress highlighted deep structural shifts in journalism. Newsrooms face economic strain while audiences fragment across digital platforms that often favor engagement over accuracy. At the same time, AI, disinformation, and the growing power of global tech platforms are reshaping how information is produced and consumed, placing greater democratic responsibility on already stretched public interest media. Yet, opportunity remains. Africa’s youthful population and vibrant digital cultures offer a chance to reimagine storytelling, reclaim narratives, and build media systems that are more inclusive, resilient, and grounded in local realities. “We have the chance to tell the African story that is not decorative, not extractive and not apologetic. A story in which Africans are not merely victims of global systems but makers of meaning, builders of institutions and authors of democratic futures.”- Churchill Otieno From Dialogue to Action As the week drew to a close the need to move from conversation to institutional action stood out. The Africa Media Congress, in particular, was positioned as a platform that must evolve beyond periodic convenings into a sustained, accountable, and representative continental body. This includes strengthening collaboration with regional institutions such as the African Union, while maintaining independence and credibility. It also means bringing together diverse actors from editors and publishers to researchers, women’s networks, and youth leaders into a shared vision for the future of African media. At its core, the discussions in Lusaka reaffirmed a fundamental principle: journalism is not a private inconvenience to power. It is a public good essential to democracy, development, and the protection of human rights. A Defining Moment Press freedom in Africa stands at a crossroads. The challenges are undeniable, but so is the resolve of those working to defend it. From calls for accountability in cases of violence against journalists, to renewed focus on gender equality, to the push for stronger continental collaboration, the week’s discussions reflected both urgency and determination. In the end, the significance of WPFD lies not only in what is said, but in what follows. The real test will be whether the commitments made in Lusaka translate into tangible protections, stronger institutions, and a media ecosystem that truly serves the public interest. Share this story Share on X Share on Facebook Share on LinkedIn Share on WhatsApp Share by email Are you a
IAWRT Kenya Fellowship Graduation Ceremony – March 27,2026.
Home › Blog › Mentorship IAWRT Kenya Fellowship Graduation Ceremony – March 27,2026. 25 April 2026 2 min read Mentorship 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. Share this story Share on X Share on Facebook Share on LinkedIn Share on WhatsApp Share by email Are you a woman working in media? Join IAWRT Kenya for training, mentorship, fellowships and a supportive network of women media practitioners. Become a Member More stories All Stories All Posts Articles Mentorship Networking 31 August, 2026 Reporting Violations Against Female Journalists: A Shared Responsibility Home › Blog › Articles Reporting Violations Against Female Journalists: A Shared Responsibility 31 August 2026 4 min read Articles By IAWRT… Read story 24 August, 2026 What a Year of Tracking and Mapping Online Gender-Based Violence Against Women in Media Revealed Home › Blog › Articles What a Year of Tracking and Mapping Online Gender-Based Violence Against Women in Media Revealed 24 August… Read story 21 August, 2026 Media Observatory – Challenges And Prospects Home › Blog › Mentorship Media Observatory – Challenges And Prospects 21 August 2026 2 min read Mentorship By William Okech, OGW. … Read story
Leading the Digital Charge: IAWRT Graduates are AI Certified. The Future of African Journalism Starts Here
Home › Blog › Mentorship Leading the Digital Charge: IAWRT Graduates are AI Certified. The Future of African Journalism Starts Here 15 April 2026 2 min read Mentorship 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. Photo Gallery: IAWRT DIGITAL AND AI TRAINING GRADUATION – March 27,2026. ×❮❯ Interviews With A Section Of The Participants A section of the course beneficiaries give their testimonies on what benefits they derived from the training. × Share this story Share on X Share on Facebook Share on LinkedIn Share on WhatsApp Share by email Are you a woman working in media? Join IAWRT Kenya for training, mentorship, fellowships and a supportive network of women media practitioners. Become a Member More stories All Stories All Posts Articles Mentorship Networking 31 August, 2026 Reporting Violations Against Female Journalists: A Shared Responsibility Home › Blog › Articles Reporting Violations Against Female Journalists: A Shared Responsibility 31 August 2026 4 min read Articles By IAWRT… Read story 24 August, 2026 What a Year of Tracking and Mapping Online Gender-Based Violence Against Women in Media Revealed Home › Blog › Articles What a Year of Tracking and Mapping Online Gender-Based Violence Against Women in Media Revealed 24 August… Read story 21 August, 2026 Media Observatory – Challenges And Prospects Home › Blog › Mentorship Media Observatory – Challenges And Prospects 21 August 2026 2 min read Mentorship By William Okech, OGW. … Read story