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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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.

The United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) reports that the number of displaced people has been increasing rapidly, with a particularly high increase in recent years reaching catastrophic levels, surpassing 120 million.

This record-breaking figure represents a significant increase, with one in 67 people worldwide currently forcibly displaced due to conflict, violence, or natural disasters.

This exceptional reality comes in the context of food rations drastically dwindling, clean water has become a vanishing mirage- these are the realities thousands of displaced community are being forced to live with.

Access to education almost non-existence as classes remain unoccupied due to lack of staff whose contracts were terminated. Education and sexual reproductive health services including maternity driven almost to a halt as access to healthcare faces unpredictable financing.

Kudos to Kenya, Uganda for hosting refugees from around Africa. Kenya SHIRIKA PLAN (The Shirika Plan -formerly the Marshal Plan- is a collaborative effort between the Government of Kenya and UNHCR Kenya) refugees’ resettlement and reintegration plan should be applauded.

However, countries in the Global North must take responsibility and continue to support displaced populations globally.

For Mire, founder of Refugee Youth Education Hub, local problems require local solutions emphasizing humanity, collective and social responsibility, civic education and that investment in the manufacturing sector will curtail over dependence, provide jobs and minimize brain drain from the continent.

Image (c) mage: Getty Images/AFP/T. Karumba from the article: Kenyan court overrules decision to close Dadaab refugee camp.

https://shorturl.at/VBk9j

“I deliberately speak to God and pray about what I wouldlike to see in and with my children. I do this loudly so that they can also hear me,” says Grace, an entrepreneur and a leader at Nairobi Chapel Ongata Rongai.

She adds that the last person to ever give up on their child is a mother and urges mothers to continue praying for our children-calling out the greatness of our children by speaking life, calling out the seed of greatness.

In this episode, she concludes that there is no one who does not respond to love.

Happy Mother’s Day from SAFARI Podcast.

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Pixabay

Pixabay

Hello hellodear listener!

I am elated to share Season 2, Episode 2 of 2025 of SAFARI podcast- such in-depth insights from two young folks about the Gaming industry, Journalism and the crucial role of Parents.

You don’t want to miss this. Check out the guests’ snippets!

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Joanna is a gamedesigner and developer. She studied Mechatronic engineering at Dedan Kimathiuniversity. She says,

I got intogames really young- from playing Nintendo and over two decades on has designed,developed and will be releasing her own game.

Aboutstaying motivated she adds that developing games sounds like a fun career, yet,it is actually very stressful, very difficult but having a growth mindset haskept her going.

Even on theworst of days, there’s nothing else she’ll rather be doing other than gamedevelopment. She admits pouring her heart and soul into designing anddeveloping games.

“I wanted tobe so many things, and my parents encouraged me, they told me, as long as itmakes you happy, they have instilled in me a growth mindset and appreciating asense of community.”

On parentalsupport, she adds, as much as your parents support you, it has to be you andconcludes that comparison is a thief of joy.

Joanna’s game, #ARGOis launching soon. The game is a reality hiking game free to play with a caveatof visiting #Oololua forest

Our second guest is Orie Atieno a graduate from Egerton University, an established Communicationsexpert, consultant, and SAFARI podcast host and producer.

She talkspassionately about her work:

The point ofbeing a journalist is being out there to shape public opinions. In light of AI,we need to use it as a tool and continue to creatively work with our minds.

On leaving alegacy, she notes, in my life I believe in service, I hope that whatever I createwill impact different people-I ask myself, how do I motivate? How can I pushpeople to see that they are not bound by where they come from? I believe thateducation is the greatest equalizer.

For Orie, throughGift of Love Foundation, her passion is giving back to the community and emphasizesthat sanitary towels should be free and notes that we should continue exploringand inspiring lives in every area you are in.

#NintendoNerd #Animal CrossingNew Horizons#Untitled Goose Game #Giftof LoveFoundation #AI #ARGO #Oololua forest

How are Gen Z's values shaping the future of work, education, and lifestyle? In this episode, Season 2, Episode 1 of 2025, SAFARI indulged a group of young people from diverse background with unique input about the future.

So, whether you're a member of Gen Z, a parent, educator, or just curious about the next wave of change-makers, here’s a show for you.

#GenZ

Nana wa Ghetto, Nana wa Mtaa and the Country Director for Beyond Hoops Africa. “We go beyond the court.”

The organization works through different pillars including mental health and wellness, dare to dream sports segment, literacy and libraries set up, sports, waste management and environmental conservation.

She has been gracefully broken and offers hope that we are all gracefully broken but we have what it takes to heal, to become and to fly. There is always someone who can help you, to make your life smooth. Lean on your support system. Don’t be afraid to ask for support.

Sandra adds that losing one’s voice is the worst thing that can happen to anyone. Don’t let it happen to you.

Kujituma

Kujichocha

Bila Kuchoma

Mungu Mbele

#Drench

#Oliech

#Njogu

Music ©: Matt_Redman_Tasha_Cobbs_Leonard_-_Gracefully_Broken_CeeNaija.com_