Hubz Media Reporter Naomi Cheruiyot Completes Prestigious AWiM & Luminate AI in African Newsrooms Training

 Hubz Media writer and reporter Naomi Cheruiyot has successfully completed the six-week Africa Women in Media (AWiM) and Luminate AI in African Newsrooms training programme, marking a significant milestone in her professional development as artificial intelligence continues to reshape journalism across Africa.

The intensive programme brought together women journalists from various African countries, providing them with practical knowledge and hands-on experience on how to integrate artificial intelligence into newsroom operations while upholding the core principles of journalism. The training focused on ethical, inclusive, transparent, and gender-sensitive adoption of AI technologies, ensuring that innovation complements rather than compromises responsible journalism.

As media organizations increasingly embrace digital transformation, the programme sought to equip participants with the skills needed to navigate the opportunities and challenges presented by AI-powered technologies. Throughout the six-week course, participants explored a wide range of AI applications, including content generation, research, fact-checking, audience engagement, data analysis, workflow automation, and digital storytelling, while emphasizing the importance of human editorial oversight.

Speaking after successfully completing the training, Cheruiyot described the experience as both enriching and transformative, saying it has broadened her understanding of how artificial intelligence can improve newsroom efficiency without replacing the critical role played by journalists.

"The media industry is rapidly evolving, and journalists must evolve with it. AI is becoming an important tool in modern journalism because it can save valuable time, improve efficiency, simplify routine newsroom tasks, and allow journalists to focus more on in-depth reporting, investigations, and storytelling. However, it must always be used ethically and responsibly," she said.

Cheruiyot noted that the knowledge gained from the programme will enable her to produce more innovative, accurate, and impactful stories while maintaining the highest standards of fairness, credibility, and professionalism.

She further encouraged newsrooms across Kenya and the African continent to embrace artificial intelligence as a supportive tool that enhances journalistic work rather than replacing the human judgment, creativity, and ethical decision-making that define quality journalism.

"The future of journalism is digital, and newsrooms that invest in AI literacy will be better positioned to deliver timely, accurate, and engaging content to their audiences. AI should empower journalists by reducing repetitive tasks and improving productivity, while editorial decisions remain firmly in human hands," she added.

The programme also highlighted the importance of addressing issues such as algorithmic bias, misinformation, data privacy, accountability, and gender inclusion in the development and deployment of AI tools. Participants were encouraged to champion responsible innovation that promotes diversity, protects public trust, and ensures that technological advancements benefit both journalists and the communities they serve.

Africa Women in Media (AWiM), in partnership with Luminate, continues to play a leading role in strengthening journalism across the continent by empowering women journalists with cutting-edge digital skills, leadership opportunities, and emerging technologies that prepare them for the future of the profession.

Cheruiyot's successful completion of the programme reflects the growing commitment among African journalists to embrace innovation while preserving the ethical values of journalism. As artificial intelligence becomes increasingly integrated into newsroom operations worldwide, media professionals equipped with AI knowledge are expected to play a critical role in shaping the future of credible, inclusive, and technology-driven journalism across Africa.