Rewriting the Media Story: KCA Rolls out a Project set to transform Investigative Journalism in Kenya

Kisumu, Kenya.
 The Kenya Correspondents Association (KCA) has launched a groundbreaking investigative journalism project dubbed SAFIRI (Supporting African Future Investigative and Responsible Journalism), aimed at empowering young journalists across Kenya. 

The three-year initiative, running from February 2025 to February 2028, is being implemented in partnership with ASPEN and Free Press Unlimited with funding from the European Union.

The project kicked off with a regional training workshop in Kisumu from July 9–11, 2025, bringing together 20 journalists from the Nyanza and Lake Region counties. Additional workshops are planned for Nairobi and Mombasa between August and October this year, with more scheduled in the next two years.

According to KCA, the SAFIRI project seeks to strengthen independent, ethical, and pluralistic journalism in Kenya by targeting young journalists particularly those from underserved rural areas. The program addresses key challenges in the media landscape such as misinformation, newsroom financial pressures, youth disengagement, and urban-rural disparities.

KCA plans to train 60 journalists nationwide, offer 15 investigative journalism grants focused on corruption, human rights, and governance, and pair participants with 10 senior journalists for mentorship. Participants will also receive safety manuals and guidelines, as well as access to legal aid and psychological support where needed.

Speaking during the launch of the project in Kisumu, KCA’s head of programs Mr Oloo Janak said that the project incorporates a strong community engagement component and is expected to host three media dialogue forums in Kisumu, Nairobi, and Mombasa to promote inclusion of women, youth, and marginalized communities. These forums aim to foster collaboration between media, civil society, and community members while promoting media literacy and the right to information.

“This project is grounded in the belief that when journalists are trained, supported, and empowered with the right tools and networks, they can produce uncensored investigative reporting that leads to real societal impact,”

 said Mr Oloo Janak: KCA’s Head of Programs.

A unique feature of the SAFIRI project is its focus on Afri-ethics—a media framework rooted in African values that emphasizes social justice, diversity, cultural sensitivity, and community voice.

KCA envisions the SAFIRI project as a catalyst for positive change, encouraging ethical journalism, policy influence, and deeper democratic participation in Kenya.

---