The AGJK (Association of GrassrootJournalists Kenya) Community Media Conference 2025 was a five-day gathering held from December 1–5, 2025, at PrideInn Paradise Beach Resort in Mombasa, Kenya. Centered on the theme Viability and Sustainability of Community Media,the conference featured sessions on artificial intelligence, digital inclusion, ethics, and journalist well-being, culminating in the prestigious AGJK Community Media Awards.

This landmark event brought together community journalists, creatives, and partners to explore strategies for building sustainable and impactful community broadcasting.

Expectations among participants ranged from networking opportunities and sharpening their craft to navigating financial challenges. Yet, for many, the highlight was the eagerly anticipated awards ceremony, which celebrated excellence across categories such as governance, gender, health, and investigative reporting.

This episode—part one of a two-part series—intertwines these expectations with an exclusive interview featuring two journalists: Milly from West Pokot and Isaac from Marsabit.

• Many attendees noted how the conference deepened their understanding of using extensive research inreporting.

• For Milly, the integration of Akili Mnemba (Artificial Intelligence) into journalism resonated strongly. Shehighlighted how a session on sexual harassment enriched her knowledge of protection mechanisms for both established and emerging reporters, while urging station managers to be better equipped.

• Isaac, meanwhile, anticipated winning an award—and did. Beyond recognition, he was eager to learn about financial sustainability in media and ways to collaborate with citizens and fellow practitioners. He emphasized the responsible and ethical use of AI in journalism.

Both Milly and Isaac agreed on one crucial takeaway: the importance of telling untold stories and framing them with a solutions-oriented lens.

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DELOSoundfrom Pixabay

AndriiPoradovskyi from Pixabay

Facilitating dialogues. Creating connections,and networks.

These were running themes in a conference I attended on September 09. Organised by the Association of Grassroot Journalists Kenya (AGJK), and their Polish partner HumanDoc Foundation (Poland), the closing conference of theproject titled “Transcontinental Dialogues: Poland in Kenyan Media Spaces,” brought together journalists, media practitioners, diplomats, scholars, civil society, actors, and policymakers.

This project, funded by the Republic of Poland under the competition of the Minister of Foreign Affairs “PublicDiplomacy 2024–2025 – European Dimension and Countering Disinformation,” has sought to strengthen transnational dialogue, promote accurate representation ofPoland in Kenyan media, and build resilience against disinformation.

What was covered and will continue to be explored include:

v Poland in Kenyan Media Spaces

v Share experiences and perspectives oncross-border media collaboration;

v Explore strategies for reliableinformation sharing and countering disinformation;

v Foster networks that advanceconstructive international understanding through community

v and mainstream media.

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Music by u_w29jil20ypfrom Pixabay

Three months ago, Prof. Ayiro spoke distinctly and passionately about leadership.

In this special uncut episode, you will hear beautiful voices of the praise and worship team from Nairobi Chapel Ongata Rongai as well as a sermon that moved masses.

As Prof. Ayiro conludes, I noted vital takeaways:

A cracked mirror reflects adistorted image.

So does a nation without moralclarity.

God restores one heart at atime—begin with yourself.

Speak truth even when it'scostly.

Resist shortcuts—integrity takestime.

Mentor the next generationthrough example.

Return to God—leadership beginsat the altar.

Who is this distinguished speaker?

Professor Laban Peter Ayiro is a distinguished Kenyan academic and administrator, currently serving as the Vice Chancellor of Daystar University, Kenya, a position he has held since March 2019. Prof. Ayiro has had an illustrious career spanning education, leadership, research, and public service.