Kenya Journalists Debate AI’s Impact on Press Freedom and Ethical Reporting

In eight counties across Kenya from Turkana's dusty plains to the vibrant streets of Mombasa journalists, editors, and media stakeholders gathered in early May to confront a pressing question: What does press freedom look like in an age of artificial intelligence?

To mark World Press Freedom Day (WPFD) 2025, the Kenya Correspondents Association (KCA), in collaboration with UNESCO, hosted a series of regional dialogue forums under the theme: “Reporting in the Brave New World – The Impact of Artificial Intelligence on Press Freedom and the Media.”

Between May 5th and 9th, discussions unfolded in Kisii, Kisumu, Turkana, Uasin Gishu, Makueni, Isiolo, Mombasa, and Nairobi bringing together the voices that shape Kenya’s media landscape.

 "Artificial intelligence and other technological tools are shaping our news, in the 

process shaping the way journalists deliver content. We must remain ethical in our content creation and use the digital space responsibly to avoid misinformation and disinformation,” said Esther Kamweru, veteran editor and former CEO of the Media Council of Kenya, during the Nairobi forum.

As Kenya’s media embraces digital transformation, the rise of artificial intelligence (AI) is prompting both excitement and unease. These forums offered a rare opportunity for regional journalists often underrepresented in national conversations to discuss how AI is disrupting traditional journalism practices.

From automated news writing to AI-powered content moderation, speakers highlighted the double-edged nature of technological advancement. While efficiency and reach have improved, participants voiced concern over AI’s potential to prioritize virality over accuracy, reinforce algorithmic bias, and facilitate deep fake-driven misinformation.

“We cannot afford to lose our compass. Journalism must remain rooted in public interest not just public attention. This calls on all of us to promote ethical reporting and use AI responsibly within our media spaces,” emphasized veteran editor Ken Bosire in Nairobi.

Rural Journalists Push for a Seat at the Table

In Kisii, where the forum was opened by KCA Chairman Hudson Araka Matara, journalists from smaller media outlets emphasized the need for tailored training and access to emerging digital tools.

 “Since 2018, we've adopted a decentralized approach that allows for greater participation and robust engagement of rural-based journalists, grassroots CSOs, human rights defenders, and county officials. We’re committed to ensuring that press freedom and access to information are not just urban concerns,” Matara explained.

In regions like Turkana and Makueni, participants called for localized AI training that reflects the realities of journalists working far from Nairobi’s tech hubs.

The forums also broke new ground by including non-traditional media actors, influencers, bloggers, and digital content creators under the Social Media 4 Peace (SM4P) program. These participants were sensitized on their role in upholding ethical digital practices, curbing misinformation, and promoting responsible discourse in the online space.

This reflects the evolving nature of news in Kenya where TikTok, X (Twitter), and Facebook posts now carry as much weight as traditional headlines.

Even as the forums looked to the future, they didn't shy away from current challenges. Journalists shared experiences of harassment, equipment confiscation, and restricted access to information during the Gen Z protests of 2024.

Across counties, media practitioners urged both national and county governments to recognize the media as partners in development, not adversaries, and to improve access to public information for informed citizen participation.

A key takeaway from the forums was the urgent need for continued dialogue, mentorship, and cross-sector collaboration, especially intergenerational mentorship, to ensure younger journalists inherit not just tools, but values.

As Kenya navigates this “brave new world,” the path forward demands a collective commitment to digital literacy, ethical journalism, and grassroots inclusion. For many in attendance, the forums were more than just meetings; they were a wake-up call.

Journalists across the country are calling for sustained partnerships with media stakeholders to strengthen accountability, improve access to information, and protect the core values of a free press in a rapidly changing digital age.