High school journalism club patrons are set to benefit from responsible digital engagement and creative storytelling skills after undergoing Media and Information Literacy (MIL) training ahead of the Western Region Journalism Expo.
The sensitisation forum, held in Busia County, brought together more than 50 patrons from Busia, Bungoma, Kakamega, Vihiga, and Siaya counties.
The Media Council of Kenya (MCK) used the occasion to encourage schools to register and participate in the expo.
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Speaking at the forum, MCK Director for Media Training and Development, Victor Bwire, said the expos form part of a broader continental initiative aimed at promoting access to clean and safe digital content for young people, while preparing students to seize opportunities in the rapidly evolving media and technology landscape.
“This programme is about access to clean content and protecting children in the digital environment. Youths form the largest percentage of internet users in Kenya, and they are highly exposed to misinformation, fake news, and harmful online content. We want to empower them to use digital platforms positively for learning, creativity, innovation, and wealth creation,” said Bwire.
He cautioned against the misuse of social media, warning that misinformation and online radicalisation pose serious threats to communities and national cohesion. He added that the abuse of digital platforms could attract legal consequences under the Computer Misuse and Cybercrimes Act.
“We view journalism as a vibrant, creative industry and a viable pathway to employment. Many students already possess exceptional talent in news presentation, photography, multimedia storytelling, and digital production. The Expo allows them to showcase these skills and begin professionalising them from an early stage,” he added.
MCK Kisumu Regional Coordinator, Teddy Evans, urged schools to confirm their participation early.
He described the Mukumu expo as a pilot project that has attracted overwhelming interest and marks the beginning of integrating journalism and media arts into structured co-curricular activities in schools.
“We are integrating journalism and media arts into co-curricular activities in a structured way for the first time. This is a significant milestone for schools in the region, and we want as many learners as possible to be part of it,” said Evans.
Oscar Apodi Busera, patron of Burumba Secondary School and Executive Secretary of the Western Journalism Club Patrons, said students had enthusiastically embraced the initiative. He noted that the Expo offers learners a platform to showcase their talents, sharpen their journalism skills, and nurture professional ethics and responsible media practice.
Patrons from participating schools also praised the MCK for spearheading the programme, saying it has opened doors for learners to understand ethical journalism and digital safety.
Following the Western Region Expo at Sacred Heart Mukumu Girls High School on 17 May, the initiative will move to the Nyanza Region Expo, scheduled for 24 May at Homa Bay High School, extending the MIL programme across the Lake Region.
-This story was done first published by MCK
