The Aga Khan University Graduate School of Media and Communications (GSMC) with Support from the US Embassy in Nairobi graduated the first cohort of media managers from the Media Managers Boot Camp (MMBC) in May 2022.
Speaking at the graduation ceremony, the Aga Khan University's Vice Provost for East Africa, Prof. Alex Awiti highlighted the importance of collaborations and thanked the U.S Embassy in Nairobi for providing the support for the boot camp. He said that Aga Khan University was keen on such initiatives because they contribute to capacity building in different sectors. He pledged that the University would support future events geared at strengthening the capacity of the media and it's journalists.
Commenting on the purpose of the boot camp, Prof. Nancy Booker, Interim Dean of GSMC, said that the initiative was part of strengthening the media in Kenya and making it more accountable and credible. She noted that such initiatives are critical for an industry that is struggling to reclaim its position as the most trusted institution in Kenya.
MMBC was designed to not only cover current newsroom issues but to train for anticipated issues. One of these anticipations is the upcoming Kenyan transitional election in August 2022. It is estimated, that more than 50% of newsroom journalists will be dedicated to covering elections for the first time, and the training provided resonated well. “I found the course very resourceful. It is also happening when I will be in the newsroom covering elections for the first time. I look forward to applying the learnings to the work place," said Marion Maina, a participant of the boot camp.
In his remarks at the graduation, American Embassy's Press Attaché, Andrew Veveiros reminded participants that the pandemic taught people the importance of human interaction and encouraged the attendees to celebrate their achievement and use the knowledge and skills acquired to transform the newsroom for the future.
As part of the training, participants interacted with media audiences and discussed contemporary issues that should shape media content and priorities.
The Aga Khan University Graduate School of Media and Communications (GSMC) with Support from the US Embassy in Nairobi graduated the first cohort of media managers from the Media Managers Boot Camp (MMBC) in May 2022.
Speaking at the graduation ceremony, the Aga Khan University's Vice Provost for East Africa, Prof. Alex Awiti highlighted the importance of collaborations and thanked the U.S Embassy in Nairobi for providing the support for the boot camp. He said that Aga Khan University was keen on such initiatives because they contribute to capacity building in different sectors. He pledged that the University would support future events geared at strengthening the capacity of the media and it's journalists.
Commenting on the purpose of the boot camp, Prof. Nancy Booker, Interim Dean of GSMC, said that the initiative was part of strengthening the media in Kenya and making it more accountable and credible. She noted that such initiatives are critical for an industry that is struggling to reclaim its position as the most trusted institution in Kenya.
MMBC was designed to not only cover current newsroom issues but to train for anticipated issues. One of these anticipations is the upcoming Kenyan transitional election in August 2022. It is estimated, that more than 50% of newsroom journalists will be dedicated to covering elections for the first time, and the training provided resonated well. “I found the course very resourceful. It is also happening when I will be in the newsroom covering elections for the first time. I look forward to applying the learnings to the work place," said Marion Maina, a participant of the boot camp.
In his remarks at the graduation, American Embassy's Press Attaché, Andrew Veveiros reminded participants that the pandemic taught people the importance of human interaction and encouraged the attendees to celebrate their achievement and use the knowledge and skills acquired to transform the newsroom for the future.
As part of the training, participants interacted with media audiences and discussed contemporary issues that should shape media content and priorities.