Mount Kigali University Chancellor Commends Eldoret Media Hub for Nurturing Kenya’s Next Generation of Journalists
“The Eldoret Media Hub is a strategic initiative designed to identify, mentor, and grow media talent. It was a pleasure meeting the dedicated team running this important facility and witnessing their unwavering commitment to developing these young storytellers,” Professor Egara Kabaji
Prof. Egara Kabaji (in white shirt) poses for a photo with media and communication students from various universities undertaking industrial attachment at the Eldoret Media Hub under the Uasin Gishu Journalists Association (UGJA) programme, supported by the Media Council of Kenya.Photo by Mahlon Lichuma
By Eve N. Njeri
Professor Egara Kabaji, the first Chancellor of Mount Kigali University in Rwanda and Deputy Vice-Chancellor at Masinde Muliro University of Science and Technology (MMUST), has applauded Eldoret Media Hub for its role in identifying, mentoring and developing the next generation of journalists through practical, industry-driven training.
Prof. Kabaji made the remarks following his visit to the Eldoret Media Hub, where he interacted with journalism trainees undergoing attachment under the Uasin Gishu Journalists Association (UGJA) programme, implemented under the auspices of the Media Council of Kenya (MCK).
In a post shared on his official Facebook page, Egara Kabaji Snr, the veteran scholar described the visit as an honour, praising the hub for providing aspiring journalists with practical exposure alongside academic learning.
“It was a great honour to visit the Eldoret Media Hub and engage with the young storytellers undergoing training under the auspices of the Media Council of Kenya. These talented trainees come from universities across the country, reflecting the Council’s commitment to nurturing the next generation of journalists and media professionals,” Prof. Kabaji wrote.
He further described the Eldoret Media Hub as a strategic initiative dedicated to identifying, mentoring and growing media talent.
“The Eldoret Media Hub is a strategic initiative designed to identify, mentor, and grow media talent. It was a pleasure meeting the dedicated team running this important facility and witnessing their unwavering commitment to developing these young storytellers,” he added.
Prof. Kabaji also encouraged young people aspiring to build careers in journalism to take advantage of the opportunities offered at the facility.
“Are you a young person aspiring to build a career in journalism and media? Are you struggling to acquire practical journalistic skills and you live in this region? The Eldoret Media Hub is the place for you. It offers a unique opportunity to learn, practise, and grow under experienced media professionals in an environment dedicated to developing talent,” he stated.
The professor expressed appreciation to Uasin Gishu Journalists Association Chairman James Gitaka, supervisor Elvis Wasike, and Vice Chairman Edmond Kipngeno for their warm reception and for creating an environment that allows trainees to interact with experienced media practitioners.
Addressing the trainees during the mentorship session, Prof. Kabaji urged them to embrace versatility and continuous learning as essential attributes for success in the rapidly evolving media industry.
“Never specialize in one area. In fact, you should now be able to speak at least three languages so that when an opportunity comes from any organization, you’ll be ready to deliver,” he advised.
He also challenged the aspiring journalists to remain committed to practical learning and self-improvement.
“Always be hands-on in your work. Embrace your potential and strive to become the best version of yourselves,” he said.
In his Facebook post, Prof. Kabaji summarized his message to the trainees by emphasizing the values that define successful journalists.
“Success in the media industry demands commitment, continuous learning, disciplined practice, effective time and personal management, wide reading and, above all, mastery of language. Great stories are told by those who never stop learning.”
A Modern Training Ground for Future Journalists
Established under the Uasin Gishu Journalists Association with support from the Media Council of Kenya, the Eldoret Media Hub has grown into one of Kenya’s emerging centres for practical journalism training.
The facility features a fully equipped modern multimedia studio, an online radio station, professional radio production and podcasting studios, broadcast-quality television production equipment, digital cameras, audio and video editing suites, and mobile journalism tools that expose trainees to real newsroom operations.
Beyond its state-of-the-art infrastructure, the hub’s greatest strength lies in its people. Journalism students on industrial attachment receive mentorship from seasoned professionals drawn from mainstream national media, community media, vernacular radio and television stations, digital newsrooms, and international media platforms. Their diverse newsroom experience enables trainees to acquire practical skills that complement classroom instruction while exposing them to the ethical and professional standards expected in today’s media industry.
The mentorship programme equips trainees with competencies in reporting, news writing, digital storytelling, radio and television production, photography, videography, editing, podcasting, social media journalism and multimedia content creation, preparing them for an increasingly digital-first media landscape.
Distinguished Scholar and Academic Leader
Prof. Kabaji is one of East Africa’s most accomplished communication scholars. He is the first Chancellor of Mount Kigali University in Rwanda and serves as Deputy Vice-Chancellor at Masinde Muliro University of Science and Technology. Widely recognized as East Africa’s only Professor of Literary Communication, he has dedicated his academic career to teaching, researching and writing on literature, communication and African oral traditions, making significant contributions to higher education and media scholarship across the region.
The journalism trainees described the mentorship session as inspiring, saying Prof. Kabaji’s insights had broadened their understanding of the profession and reinforced the importance of lifelong learning, versatility and excellence in journalism.
His visit reaffirmed Eldoret Media Hub’s growing reputation as a centre of excellence in practical journalism training, where aspiring media professionals gain the knowledge, mentorship and hands-on experience needed to thrive in an increasingly competitive and rapidly evolving media industry.
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