Kiambu: Renowned investigative journalist, John Allan Namu, led a powerful two-day training session for journalists from Kiambu and Makueni counties, focusing on the vital role of investigative journalism in promoting transparency and accountability. The workshop, sponsored by Transparency International Kenya (TI-Kenya), was designed to equip local journalists with the skills and knowledge to investigate corruption and unethical practices within both County and National governments.
According to Kenya News Agency, the two-day workshop, held in Kiambu, attracted over 50 local journalists, including reporters, editors, and media practitioners from both print and electronic media outlets. The training aimed to equip the participants with the necessary skills to uncover corruption, address public sector inefficiency, and ensure that the voices of marginalized communities are heard in the media.
The workshop covered various key topics, including techniques for investigative reporting focused on uncovering corrup
tion and fraud, legal frameworks and ethical guidelines in reporting on public resources, tools and platforms for monitoring government projects and ensuring they are executed transparently, and the role of journalism in shaping public policy and fostering civic engagement.
Speaking at the opening of the event, TI-Kenya’s Executive Director, Samuel Kimeu, emphasized the importance of investigative journalism in curbing corruption, particularly at the county government level. “Journalists play a pivotal role in holding public institutions accountable and ensuring that citizens are well-informed. This training is designed to enhance your capacity to not only report, but to investigate and expose corrupt practices that undermine the welfare of citizens,” Kimeu remarked.
In addition to the technical sessions, TI-Kenya encouraged journalists to develop collaborative networks across counties, emphasizing that working together increases the impact of their reporting. TI is a global Non-governmental Organization (N
GO) that works to combat corruption and promote transparency, accountability, and integrity in both the public and private sectors and operates in more than 100 countries, Kenya included, focusing on various issues related to corruption, good governance, and human rights.
The organization also highlighted the need for ongoing dialogue between journalists and civil society organizations to ensure mutual support in the fight against corruption. Allan Namu, the lead trainer, highlighted the importance of investigative journalism in fostering accountability in the public sector. “Journalism is not just about telling stories; it’s about uncovering the truth and holding power to account,” he said, adding, “Corruption thrives in the shadows, and as journalists, we have the responsibility to shine a light on it, no matter how difficult the task may be.”
Namu provided hands-on sessions using real-life case studies from the counties, demonstrating how journalists could use accessible public information to expose corr
uption or misuse of funds. Journalists were also introduced to digital tools, including social media monitoring and data analytics, to improve their investigative skills.
As part of the training’s closing remarks, Namu urged the journalists to stay committed to their craft despite the challenges they may face. “Investigative journalism can be tough, and the risks are real. But the rewards-both for you as journalists and for society-are worth it,” he said. “We are all in this together, and it’s up to us to ensure that the truth is always heard.”
The training received positive feedback from the journalists in attendance, with many expressing eagerness to apply the new skills in their everyday reporting. Some participants were particularly interested in using the information and resources gained to cover county-level governance issues more effectively. “This training has been incredibly insightful. It has given us the tools to go beyond just reporting events and to investigate the issues that directly affect t
he lives of our communities,” said Dan Kituku, a reporter from Makueni. “We are now more equipped to hold local authorities accountable for their actions, ensuring that taxpayers’ money is used responsibly.”
The successful completion of this training marks another milestone in Transparency International Kenya’s ongoing efforts to strengthen the capacity of journalists across the country. With a focus on fostering integrity and transparency, the organization plans to continue providing such capacity-building programs to journalists in other regions in the future.