Media & Social Cohesion: FELT Africa Radio Journalists’ Training Heads To The Coastal Region

“It is very informative and empowering,” to paraphrase the words of Kenyan coastal region reporters who recently participated in the ongoing media training spearheaded by FELT Africa, one of Kenya’s leading PR and Communications agencies.

The second session of these trainings targeting radio presenters was held in Mombasa County from January 30 to February 2, 2025, and was curated around the region’s specific challenges.

The training attracted 25 radio journalists from counties including Mombasa, Taita Taveta, Kwale, Kilifi, and Tana River.

A group photo after the training sessions.

For most of the attendees, representing 15 radio stations, there is a big gap in media training stemming from the lack thereof or limited knowledge of the fundamentals of responsible journalism in the ever-evolving media landscape.

The training attracted seasoned broadcasters who gained practical skills in media ethics, fact-checking, and sensitive reporting that promotes national cohesion and integration.

The diverse participation included 52% of presenters from Mombasa, 20% from Taita Taveta, 12% represented Kwale County, and Tana River and Kilifi with 8% each. This ensured a broad regional impact.

Anita Santuri, a radio presenter from Coco FM in Kilifi County, during one of the sessions

Participants learned from some of the renowned media practitioners and legal experts; Adow Kalil Jubat offered insights on the intrigues of journalism vs. activism, Dennis Onsarigo took the participants through a lesson on professional development, KTN journalist Ali Manzu shared his professional understanding of how to effectively balance facts and opinions in news presentation and reporting, while on legal matters, lawyer Chaka Sichangi shared knowledge on how to navigate the intersection of media and the law.

The three-day training also provided the presenters with skills on how to effectively include critical analysis as part of their narratives.

The main objectives of the ongoing training sessions are to promote conflict-sensitive reporting and responsible storytelling, equip journalists with knowledge on professional reporting, and foster an understanding of the basics of media law and the legal burdens of responsible journalism.

The media training is part of FELT Africa’s mission to foster positive change through empowerment and capacity building.

The first session was held in Garissa County and featured radio broadcasters from Northern Kenya region.