KEMRI Launches SCIJOURN-K Project to Strengthen Science Journalism in Kenya

By Stella Njung’e

With a burst of energy and purpose, the Institute this week unveiled the inaugural Science Journalism–Kenya (SCIJOURN-K) Programme through a lively kick-off webinar.

The pioneering initiative sets out to bridge the long-standing gap between laboratories and newsrooms, uniting 12 journalists and six scientists on one platform. By blending scientific expertise with journalistic storytelling, the programme aims to translate complex research into compelling narratives that the public can easily grasp.

The launch comes against the backdrop of persistent challenges in science communication, from low newsroom priority for science stories and limited training in science reporting, to strained relationships between journalists and researchers. These barriers have often stifled the effective f low of scientific knowledge to the public.

SCIJOURN-K sets out to change this narrative by creating a collaborative space where journalists and early-career scientists co-create engaging, evidence-based features for both mainstream and digital media. At its core, the programme emphasizes a distinctly Kenyan lens, drawing on local research and lived experiences to ensure stories are not only fact-driven but also relatable and culturally resonant. The ultimate goal is to make science more accessible, impactful, and rooted in Kenya’s social fabric.

 “When we designed this project, our goal was to create a platform where scientists and journalists can foster stronger relationships built on trust,” said Study Principal Investigator (PI), Dr. Patience Kiyuka. “We hope at the end of it all we shall be able to shift the perspective on how journalists and scientists view each other, helping to bridge some of the existing challenges.”

SCIJOURN-K is jointly led by Co-Principal Investigator (Co-PIs) Mr. Davis Mkoji and Mr. John Wahome, in collaboration with KEMRI, the University of California Santa Cruz, and Schmidt Sciences.

The programme will culminate in a one-day workshop bringing together journalists, researchers, and editors for dialogue, shared learning, and collective action to strengthen science communication in Kenya. By equipping journalists with practical skills, scientific connections, and editorial support, SCIJOURN-K hopes to empower storytellers to deliver impactful, evidence-based stories that resonate with ordinary Kenyans.

The Sub-Editor at Nation Media Group who appeared as a guest speaker, Mr. James Mugendi, urged participants to look beyond headlines of major breakthroughs. “Discoveries may be more appealing, but highlighting the process and progress of research takes the audience on a journey,” he explained and added, “it also helps people understand the broader impact of science, not just the end results.”

Co-PI, Mr. Mkoji expressed optimism about the project’s promise and noted, “we are delighted to have you as part of this journey. Together, we can strengthen science reporting in Kenya and make a meaningful difference.”

Ultimately, the programme is more than a training exercise, but a bold experiment in reshaping how Kenyans understand science and could well inspire a new generation of storytellers across Africa to make research matter to everyday lives