By Wasike Elvis
The Kosachei Primary School Journalism Club made a significant stride in their journey toward professional journalism on Thursday when they visited the Eldoret Media Hub for an immersive learning experience. The visit, aimed at benchmarking and capacity building, exposed the young learners to real-world media practices, offering them invaluable insights into news reporting, media ethics, and storytelling.
This initiative, organized in collaboration with the Uasin Gishu Journalists Association and the Media Council of Kenya (MCK), is part of a broader effort to empower and mentor future journalists from a young age. The Eldoret Media Hub, one of eight established by MCK across the country, serves as a state-of-the-art facility designed to nurture journalistic talent and promote ethical media practices.
Warm Welcome and Introduction to Journalism
Upon their arrival at the hub, the pupils and their teachers were warmly received by James Gitaka, Chair of the Uasin Gishu Journalists Association. Gitaka emphasized the importance of investing in young minds and assured the students that their passion for journalism would be supported through mentorship programs and continued collaboration.
“We are honored to host these young, aspiring journalists today,” Gitaka said. “The media industry thrives on fresh talent, and through mentorship, training, and exposure, we can prepare the next generation of ethical and skilled journalists. This is just the beginning of what we hope will be a long-term partnership.”
Gitaka noted that several schools in the region had expressed interest in such journalism training programs and that the association was keen on rolling out similar workshops across the North Rift.
Led by their club patron, Teacher Wesley Kiplimo, the enthusiastic pupils embarked on a day-long training session that introduced them to news gathering, writing, and broadcasting techniques. The session also covered media ethics, the role of journalists in society, and the impact of digital media on storytelling.
A Glimpse Into Newsroom Operations
One of the most exciting moments of the visit was a guided tour of the newsroom, where the pupils had the chance to interact with professional journalists, editors, and news presenters. They observed how journalists work behind the scenes to gather, verify, and disseminate news.
The young learners were particularly thrilled to try their hands at news reading, recording interviews, and using professional media equipment. With microphones in hand, some of them took turns presenting news bulletins while others practiced conducting interviews—an experience that left a lasting impression.
“I have always wanted to be a news anchor, and today, I got to sit in a real studio and read news. It was amazing!” said Student Otieno, beaming with excitement.
Another student, equally inspired, added, “I now understand how much effort goes into making news accurate and fair. Journalists work very hard to bring us information, and I respect that.”
Lessons on Responsible Social Media Use and Environmental Conservation
In addition to newsroom exposure, the pupils had an interactive session with Joseph Mecha, the North Rift Region MCK Coordinator, who emphasized the importance of responsible media consumption and social media ethics.
“Social media is a powerful tool, and as young journalists, you must use it wisely,” Mecha advised. “Tell stories that matter, be factual, and always strive for fairness and balance in reporting. Your generation has the opportunity to shape the future of digital media positively.”
Mecha also spoke about the role of journalism in environmental conservation, urging the young learners to use their platform to highlight issues such as climate change, deforestation, and wetland degradation.
“The media plays a key role in creating awareness about environmental issues,” he noted. “As young journalists, you can tell stories that encourage people to protect their surroundings, conserve water sources, and preserve natural habitats.”
Kosachei Primary School Journalism Club’s Impact
Kosachei Primary School’s Journalism Club has already gained recognition for its active TikTok platform, where pupils share informative videos on climate action and responsible social media use. The club has positioned itself as a leading voice in environmental conservation, drawing attention to the urgent need for sustainable practices.
With their growing social media presence, the club has attracted admiration from teachers, parents, and local leaders who see their efforts as an innovative approach to early journalism training and digital storytelling.
Teacher Wesley Kiplimo acknowledged that the visit had been transformational for the students, giving them practical knowledge that would enhance their journalism skills and boost their confidence.
“This visit has shown our pupils that journalism is not just about reporting—it is about storytelling that makes a difference,” he said. “I am confident that some of these students will grow into respected journalists in the future.”
Media Council of Kenya and the Future of Journalism Clubs
The initiative aligns with the Uasin Gishu Journalists Association’s larger plan to revitalize journalism clubs in primary and secondary schools across the region. With the support of the Media Council of Kenya, the association aims to ensure that young learners are exposed to high-quality journalism training, media literacy, and mentorship opportunities.
Plans are already underway to expand the initiative, with more schools set to benefit from training workshops, mentorship programs, and visits to established media houses.
A Day of Inspiration and Learning
As the students wrapped up their visit, their enthusiasm and determination to pursue journalism careers were evident. Many of them expressed their desire to return to the hub for further training and mentorship.
One student remarked, “Today was life-changing. I now see journalism as a career I want to pursue. I want to be a reporter who tells impactful stories.”
For Kosachei Primary School’s Journalism Club, the visit to the Eldoret Media Hub was more than just an excursion—it was a stepping stone toward a future in media. The skills they acquired, the experiences they shared, and the inspiration they gained will undoubtedly shape their storytelling journey for years to come.
With their passion for journalism, commitment to environmental conservation, and innovative use of digital media, these young journalists are poised to make a significant impact—not just in their school but across Kenya.
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