By KPC Reporter
The Kenya Correspondents Association (KCA) held eight regional dialogue forums across the country to mark this year’s World Press Freedom Day (WPFD).
The forums focused on this year’s theme “Reporting in the Brave New World – The Impact of Artificial Intelligence on Press Freedom and the Media.”
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The forums, which took place from May 5 to 9, 2025, were supported by the UNESCO Regional Office for Eastern Africa and held in Kisii, Kisumu, Turkana, Uasin Gishu, Makueni, Isiolo, Mombasa, and Nairobi.
Speaking during the Kisii forum, KCA Chairman Hudson Araka Matara emphasized the importance of inclusive, grassroots-level conversations around press freedom and digital transformation.
“Since 2018, KCA has adopted this decentralized approach to encourage greater participation from rural journalists, grassroots CSOs, and county officials. We aim to deepen appreciation for press freedom, freedom of expression, and access to information across all regions,” said Matara.
The forums brought together journalists, civil society actors, county government officials, and community leaders to explore how artificial intelligence (AI) and emerging technologies are reshaping journalism—and with it, the responsibilities that come with digital influence.
A key feature of the events was the sensitization of non-traditional media actors—such as social media influencers and grassroots content creators—under the Social Media 4 Peace (SM4P) initiative.
Discussions centered on ethical content creation, countering disinformation, and fostering responsible digital engagement.
At the Nairobi forum, veteran editor and former CEO of the Media Council of Kenya, Esther Kamweru, highlighted the dual-edged nature of AI in journalism.
“Artificial intelligence and other technological tools are shaping our news—and in turn, shaping how journalists tell stories. But the ethics of our profession must remain non-negotiable. Responsible use of the digital space is essential to prevent misinformation,” she said.
Other speakers echoed the need for editorial rigor and mentorship within the media industry.
Veteran editor Ken Bosire underscored the importance of preserving journalistic integrity in the face of rapid digital change.
“We cannot afford to lose our compass. Journalism must remain rooted in public interest—not just public attention,” said Bosire. “We must use AI responsibly and ensure it strengthens, not weakens, ethical journalism.”
Participants also raised concerns about increasing threats faced by journalists, particularly in the aftermath of last year’s Gen Z protests.
Reporters shared accounts of injuries, restricted access to information, and destruction of equipment while covering the demonstrations.
Journalists called on county and national governments to improve access to public information to enable accurate reporting on governance and development.
In response, government and civil society representatives who attended the forums applauded KCA and UNESCO’s initiative, urging for more frequent engagement between media and stakeholders to enhance transparency and civic participation.
The forums concluded with a collective call for sustained intergenerational mentorship, continuous capacity-building on emerging technologies, and strengthened collaboration between media actors, CSOs, and government agencies to safeguard press freedom and civic space.
