The Media Council of Kenya (MCK) has underlined the importance of fostering international media partnerships to enhance the local media landscape and unlock global opportunities.
MCK Chief Executive Officer David Omwoyo highlighted the value of collaborative initiatives to provide Kenyan journalists with greater international exposure and cross-cultural learning opportunities.
Speaking during a meeting with representatives from China Media Group (CMG) at the Council’s offices, Mr Omwoyo proposed establishing a journalism fellowship programme to enable top-performing Kenyan journalists to gain exposure to global media operations, fostering professional growth and international collaboration.
Mr Omwoyo emphasised the synergy with the Council’s Annual Journalism Excellence Awards (AJEA), which celebrates outstanding journalistic achievements in Kenya. He proposed integrating the fellowship programme into the AJEA framework, enabling journalists recognised in various categories to visit CGTN’s regional offices worldwide.
He suggested sending one or two journalists annually to different CGTN bureaus to exchange ideas and gain deeper insights into international media practices, noting that winners would not only receive national recognition but also benefit from international exposure, transforming accolades into tangible growth opportunities.
To strengthen regulatory oversight and support quality journalism, Omwoyo advocated for innovation in media monitoring, proposing the exploration of software-based solutions to enhance compliance tracking across traditional and digital platforms.
“A localised version of such a system would significantly improve our ability to monitor and regulate content across television, radio, and digital channels,” he said.
China Media Group Africa Representative Rehema Hu provided insights into the extensive portfolio of CMG brands, including CGTN, China Radio International (CRI), and China National Radio (CNR). She noted that the CMG Africa Bureau, strategically located in Nairobi, serves as the continental hub for the group’s operations, facilitating comprehensive coverage across Africa.
“CGTN broadcasts in six major languages—Chinese, English, French, Spanish, Arabic, and Russian—enabling us to communicate effectively with diverse global audiences. Our presence in Nairobi reflects our long-term commitment to engaging with African audiences and fostering sustainable, mutually beneficial partnerships with local media”, Ms Hu said.
Ms Hu endorsed MCK’s call for stronger cross-border collaboration, emphasising the role of partnerships in promoting content exchange, cultural understanding, and professional development for journalists from both sides.