By Nyang’au Araka
Nairobi will host the inaugural Pan-African Media Summit from May 13–14, 2026.
The event will bring together editors, journalists, scholars, and media stakeholders from more than 20 African countries to deliberate on the future of journalism on the continent.
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Leaders representing four media organizations behind the Summit signed the statement, with David Omwoyo Omwoyo, the Chief Executive Officer at the Media Council of Kenya (MCK) providing the direct remarks.
Zubeida Kananu, the President of the Kenya Editors’ Guild (KEG); Eric Oduor, the Secretary General of the Kenya Union of Journalists (KUJ); and Quenteer Mbori, the Executive Director of the Association of Media Women in Kenya (AMWIK) co-signed the statement.
“Artificial intelligence, digital platforms and shifting audience habits are transforming how information is created, shared and consumed,” the statement noted.
These changes, while opening new opportunities, have also “fuelled the spread of misinformation and put real pressure on traditional media business models.”
Organizers stressed the urgency of the Summit saying, “Independent journalism is under strain, and that has consequences for public trust, access to information and democracy itself.”
“This Summit is a timely opportunity to shape bold, practical approaches that secure the future of journalism while keeping its core purpose intact.”
Themed “Information Integrity, Digital Platforms and Media in Africa,” the Summit will focus on strengthening media viability, protecting information integrity, and upholding professional standards.
Organizers expect “concrete recommendations and policy proposals to help governments, regulators and industry players keep pace with a rapidly changing media landscape.”
Omwoyo added: “A free, independent and sustainable media is at the heart of any healthy democracy. This Summit is about safeguarding that principle for generations to come.”
The Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) will participate as a knowledge partner, bringing global expertise on transparency and governance.
The East Africa Press Councils (EAPC) and the World Association of Press Councils (WAPC) will also attend, adding regional and international perspectives.
