African Journalists from diverse media houses took part in a training course on the use of artificial intelligence – AI in mainstream media. It was organized in Nairobi, Kenya, on June 15, 2026 with an online and offline presence recorded. The seminar aimed to elevate African media practitioners’ understanding of AI technologies and their practical implementation within a rapidly shifting media environment.
Organized by the Xinhua News Agency Africa Regional Bureau in collaboration with the Embassy of the People’s Republic of China in Kenya, the event drew nearly 200 journalists, editors, and producers representing both online and offline media outlets from across the continent.
The training covered crucial aspects of modern journalism, specifically focusing on AI-powered news reporting and visual storytelling. To ensure a seamless experience, a prerequisite webinar test session was conducted on June 12, 2026, which effectively set the foundational groundwork for the main seminar. At the end of the program, attendees successfully gained valuable insights into compelling visual storytelling, the logistics required to build impactful news stories, and the intricacies of the cinematography production process.
Highlighting the significance of the event, Zhang Zhizhong, minister counselor at the Chinese Embassy in Kenya, pointed out how emerging technologies like AI have fundamentally reshaped how news is gathered and shared. He emphasized that the seminar served as a vital collaborative platform for exchanging knowledge, first-hand experiences, and industry best practices. According to Zhang, these tools are essential for helping media professionals reinvent and modernize their traditional workflows. Nonetheless, care has to be taken.
Local media leaders also lauded the initiative for its practical utility. Samuel Maina, the editor-in-chief of the Kenya Broadcasting Corporation, stated that the sessions successfully equipped local practitioners with the necessary skills to integrate AI into content creation. He noted that these advancements allow newsrooms to operate with much greater efficiency while strictly preserving the quality and ultimate credibility of their journalism.
Maina further observed that the insights gained by the attendees would ripple across the industry as journalists share these techniques with their respective newsrooms. He expressed confidence in Kenya’s readiness for widespread AI integration, citing the country’s exceptionally high internet penetration rate as a strong foundation for digital adoption. This sentiment underscores a broader readiness within the region to adapt to tech-driven media solutions.
Participants mirrored this enthusiasm, citing immediate benefits for their daily responsibilities. Ephy Nyakindi, a field reporter with Royal Media Services, described the session as highly impactful for her day-to-day reporting.
She highlighted that learning how to leverage AI tools for on-the-ground newsgathering and rigorous fact-checking was incredibly valuable, proving that AI can serve as a dependable asset for field journalists striving for accuracy.
