Eldoret Journalists Urged to Embrace AI Responsibly Amid Press Freedom Concerns
The event’s most anticipated session—a panel on the global impact of AI on press freedom—was facilitated by the Kenya Correspondents Association. The discussion, sponsored by UNESCO,
MCK North Rift Coordinator and journalists alongside civil society members pose for a group photo after commemorating World Press Freedom Day – Eldoret Chapter.
By Jessica Nyaboke
As the world marked World Press Freedom Day, journalists in Eldoret gathered for a pivotal roundtable discussion on the intersection of artificial intelligence (AI) and press freedom. The event, organized by the Uasin Gishu Journalists Association with support from UNESCO through the Kenya Correspondents Association, sparked deep conversations about the opportunities and challenges AI presents to the media.
Speaking during the event, James Gitaka, Chair of the Uasin Gishu Journalists Association, acknowledged AI’s role in streamlining media workflows.
“I’ve used AI to edit photos and conduct research. Journalism is now more efficient—but it must not lose its soul,” he noted, urging his colleagues to innovate while staying grounded in journalistic values.
However, the integration of AI into newsrooms has not been without resistance. Emmanuel Maluol, an international freelance journalist and media lecturer, expressed strong concerns over the limitations of AI in local reporting. “AI tools often struggle with vernacular languages like Kalenjin and Kikuyu, which makes it difficult to localize stories. We must also safeguard our data and privacy,” he cautioned. Maluol added that while AI can assist in content generation, it cannot replace human judgment and storytelling.
Joseph Mecha, Regional Coordinator of the Media Council of Kenya (MCK) for the North Rift region, emphasized the importance of ethical journalism in the era of AI. “Even as we adopt these tools, we must remain authentic. Let AI support your work—not define it,”
Mecha stated. He further underscored the need for journalists to be accredited by MCK to ensure professionalism and accountability across the industry.
From the civil society front, Nick Omito, representing the Uasin Gishu Civil Society Network, encouraged journalists to embrace AI confidently. “Do not report with fear. Remember when computers were introduced, many resisted—but today, they’re essential. AI is simply another enabling technology,” he said, calling on media professionals to view AI as a complement, not a threat.
Human rights defender Kimutai Kirui highlighted the risk of misinformation if journalists over-rely on AI. “We need to ensure journalists have access to verified information. Without it, AI might generate content that is misleading or even harmful,” he warned.
The event’s most anticipated session—a panel on the global impact of AI on press freedom—was facilitated by the Kenya Correspondents Association. The discussion, sponsored by UNESCO, brought together journalists, civil society organizations, human rights lobbyists, and media students from local universities and colleges. 
Uasin Gishu was among several counties awarded grants to organize such forums aimed at fostering dialogue on media rights and digital innovation.
Earlier, on May 2, journalists from the region participated in a build-up community outreach activity at the Sparkling Haven Foundation. They donated food and non-food items to children living with autism and cerebral palsy, underscoring the media’s ongoing role in social responsibility.
In his remarks, Tom Juma, a governance expert and a coordinator for Transparency International Northrift region , applauded the media’s role in promoting transparency. “The press has been instrumental in holding leaders accountable and advancing good governance. Your work matters—especially now, in the age of AI.”
The Media Council of Kenya (MCK) was commended for its continued support of press clubs and media hubs, particularly the Uasin Gishu Journalists Association and the Eldoret Media Hub.
As AI continues to shape the global media landscape, the consensus in Eldoret was clear: responsible innovation, ethical practice, and human storytelling must remain at the heart of journalism.
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