As the global community marked World Press Freedom Day, journalists in Eldoret gathered for a timely and critical discussion on the implications of artificial intelligence (AI) on journalism, press freedom, and the future of ethical reporting. The roundtable event, held at the Eldoret Media Hub, was organized by the Uasin Gishu Journalists Association in collaboration with the Kenya Correspondents Association and supported by UNESCO.
The theme of the day centered around balancing innovation with integrity, as media professionals, civil society representatives, human rights advocates, and journalism students explored both the potential and pitfalls of integrating AI into newsroom operations.
AI in Journalism: Tool or Threat?
Opening the session, James Gitaka, Chairperson of the Uasin Gishu Journalists Association, lauded AI’s ability to streamline tasks such as photo editing, research, and transcriptions. He acknowledged the transformative impact of AI in enhancing journalistic productivity but cautioned against overreliance on technology at the expense of human creativity and professional ethics.
“I’ve personally used AI to edit photos and conduct in-depth research within minutes,” Gitaka said. “Journalism is now more efficient—but it must not lose its soul. We must innovate, yes, but we must also preserve the values that define our profession: truth, fairness, and accuracy.”
Gitaka’s sentiments reflected a growing recognition among media professionals that AI, while revolutionary, must be integrated carefully and conscientiously.
Challenges in Local Contexts
For others at the forum, concerns were more urgent. Emmanuel Maluol, an international freelance journalist and media lecturer, highlighted the significant language and cultural limitations of current AI tools.
“AI models struggle with vernacular languages like Kalenjin and Kikuyu. This makes it difficult to accurately localize stories or engage with rural audiences effectively,” Maluol explained. “We must also consider data security and the ethical implications of allowing algorithms to influence our narratives. Technology must never replace human judgment in storytelling.”
Maluol emphasized that while AI could assist in content creation, investigative reporting, and fact-checking, it could never replicate the depth, empathy, and cultural insight that human journalists bring to the field.
Maintaining Professional Standards
Joseph Mecha, the Media Council of Kenya’s Regional Coordinator for the North Rift region, stressed the importance of upholding professionalism in the face of rapid technological change. He encouraged journalists to obtain MCK accreditation, which serves as a safeguard for industry standards and ethics.
“AI should be seen as a supportive tool, not a defining one. Journalists must remain authentic and adhere to ethical practices regardless of the technology they use,” Mecha said. He also called on media houses to invest in AI literacy and training to ensure that newsrooms are equipped to use these tools responsibly.
Civil Society Advocates for Confidence and Innovation
Nick Omito, from the Uasin Gishu Civil Society Network, called on journalists to embrace AI with confidence rather than fear. Drawing parallels with the introduction of computers decades ago, Omito noted that new technologies are often met with resistance before they become indispensable.
“AI is just the next step in the digital evolution of journalism,” he said. “Instead of resisting it, let’s understand it, adapt, and use it to enhance our reporting. We cannot afford to be left behind.”
A Warning Against Misinformation
Human rights defender Kimutai Kirui brought attention to the darker side of AI: its potential to spread misinformation if left unchecked. He underscored the need for journalists to verify information rigorously before relying on AI-generated content.
“We are living in a time where false narratives can go viral in seconds,” Kirui warned. “If journalists depend solely on AI without human oversight, we risk amplifying misinformation and harming the very societies we are meant to protect with our reporting.”
Panel on Global Press Freedom and AI
The event’s highlight was a panel discussion titled “AI and the Future of Press Freedom: Global Reflections and Local Realities.” Facilitated by the Kenya Correspondents Association and supported by UNESCO, the panel featured diverse voices, including senior journalists, human rights advocates, and media students from local universities.
Panelists explored how AI is impacting press freedom globally, particularly in authoritarian regimes where automated surveillance tools are used to monitor journalists. They also discussed AI’s potential in combating fake news and enhancing investigative journalism when used responsibly.
Media’s Ongoing Role in Social Responsibility
In the spirit of press freedom and community engagement, the roundtable followed a community outreach activity held on May 2 at the Sparkling Hope Foundation in Eldoret. Journalists donated food and non-food items to children living with autism and cerebral palsy, reaffirming the media’s commitment to social responsibility beyond news reporting.
“Media isn’t just about headlines—it’s about humanity,” said one of the journalists who participated in the outreach.
Commendations and Future Directions
Governance expert Tom Juma closed the event with words of appreciation for the media’s watchdog role in society. “You, the journalists, have been instrumental in holding power to account and promoting transparency. In the age of AI, your role is more critical than ever,” he said.
The Media Council of Kenya received praise for its continued support of grassroots press clubs and media hubs, including the Uasin Gishu Journalists Association and Eldoret Media Hub. The event was also attended by representatives from NTV, Transparency International North Rift, and other key stakeholders in media development.
A Consensus for the Future
As AI continues to redefine journalism globally, the forum in Eldoret ended with a unified message: technology must enhance, not replace, the heart of journalism. Human storytelling, ethical principles, and community-centered reporting must remain central.
“AI is here to stay,” said Gitaka in his closing remarks. “But it is our duty as journalists to shape how it serves the truth, not how it distorts it.”
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