Mukumu Girls Senior School, in collaboration with Media Council of Kenya (MCK) hosted a Journalism Expo that brought together 40 secondary schools and more than 800 students from the Western Region.
The expo marked the culmination of a media literacy programme initiated two years ago in Busia and Kisii counties. The initiative seeks to promote Media and Information Literacy in schools through journalism clubs and their patrons.
Speaking during the event, media and communication expert Victor Bwire said the programme aims to expose young people to responsible media production and consumption while helping them understand the dangers associated with harmful content.
“We want young people, teachers and the education sector at large to understand the kind of content that should be produced and consumed responsibly,” said Bwire.
He noted that the Media Council of Kenya is strengthening mentorship and coaching programmes in schools to identify and nurture talent among students interested in journalism and creative arts.
Bwire encouraged learners to pursue journalism courses in colleges and universities, noting that the Competency-Based Curriculum (CBC) has already incorporated media and technology studies as part of creative arts education.
He, however, observed that despite increased exposure to media operations, many students still face challenges in distinguishing between credible and harmful content.
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Bwire urged both teachers and students to remain cautious about the misuse of emerging technologies in the media industry.
“Once we identify talented students, we shall expose and support those interested in pursuing journalism professionally,” he said.
During the expo, students showcased skills in news anchoring, sports commentary, interviewing and presentation. Officials from the Media Council of Kenya commended the participants, noting that outstanding students could be shortlisted for scholarships and professional mentorship opportunities.
Bwire added that talented students would also be linked to media houses for internships and employment opportunities, while others could use their skills for self-employment.
Highlighting the impact of the programme, he cited the example of a student from Kwale County who secured sponsorship after excelling in news presentation.
“A student from Kwale who demonstrated exceptional news presentation skills attracted a sponsor who is now paying his school fees,” Bwire revealed.
The Media Council of Kenya said the initiative is designed to expose students interested in media and creative arts to scholarship opportunities and career development pathways.
“We want to demonstrate that talent can pay. Through journalism clubs and mentorship programmes, we are helping students utilise their creative abilities while also promoting responsible media use and production,” Bwire said.
He added that the initiative would help create self-employment opportunities for young people while contributing to a safer and more responsible information space.
By Hilda Atika
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