IGAD Leadership Academy trains journalists from Kenya, Somalia and South Sudan ahead of elections

• The IGAD Leadership Academy combined reporters from Kenya, Somalia and South Sudan for a three-day training in Machakos from October 6 to 8
• Individuals were geared up to counter false information, narrative laundering and AI-powered disinformation ahead of upcoming basic elections in all 3 nations
• Fitness instructors alerted that public rely on reporters is decreasing and advised press reporters to prioritise confirmation and swift correction of mistakes

Reporters from Kenya, Somalia and South Sudan have actually finished a three-day training program concentrated on safeguarding details stability throughout electoral durations, arranged by the IGAD Leadership Academy (ILA) in Machakos in between October 6 and 8, 2026.

The 3 nations were particularly picked since each is approaching a basic election, a duration when false information and collaborated impact projects tend to magnify.

Dr Simon Nyambura, the director of IGAD Centre of Excellence for Preventing and Countering Violent Extremism, advised individuals to be proactive in producing stories that matter, and actively expose stories that might intensify violence or deepen social departments ahead of the surveys.

The workshop covered a vast array of subjects, consisting of public interest journalism, story framing and its result on public understanding, news confirmation, the effect of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and emerging patterns such as Foreign Information Manipulation (FIMI) and Narrative Laundering. Reporters got useful assistance on determining and countering each of these risks.

Browse choice is now offered at TUKO! Do not hesitate to browse the material on topics/people you take pleasure in checking out in the leading right corner;-RRB-

Speaking at the training, distinguished media and interactions speaker Dr Sam Kamau stated the program was constructed around the issues of common people, while likewise preparing reporters to manage the confirmation challenges presented by AI-driven disinformation.

He worried that trust stays among the most important problems in the existing info environment, where false information and conspiracy theories have actually worn down public self-confidence in the media.

“Compared to previous elections, we are living at a time when information is playing a greater role. Citizens are bombarded with information from every side, but while we rely on social media and other platforms, we still go to journalists for verified information,” Dr Kamau stated.

He alerted that false information spikes dependably around elections and dispute, including that the existing political environment in the area was currently revealing indications of increased propaganda and disinformation.

“We are residing in an environment where details is contaminated. There is a lot false information, disinformation, conspiracy theories, and for that reason the person is not able to browse through this congested environment. On the other hand, we see reducing rely on media, in sources of info, in reporters. In terms of structure reliability, it is by making sure reporters do their task. That is doing the additional work of confirmation, going an additional action to make sure that the info they give the person is confirmed,” stated the speaker

His beliefs were echoed by Prof Hideaki Shinoda (Tokyo University of Foreign Studies), who applauded the high level of engagement from individuals throughout the course, keeping in mind that elections bring specific level of sensitivity throughout the area.

He likewise highlighted Japan’s assistance for the effort, explaining the Government of Japan’s participation as an intentional option to purchase capable people instead of massive facilities tasks.

“We selected excellent people who are really committed to the future of their societies. The Government of Japan is pleased to contribute to their capacity building and to be engaged with this precious training course organised by ILA,” Prof Shinoda stated.

Panel conversation

Individuals likewise had a chance to share their experiences through a panel conversation moderated by Dr Kamau.

The panel consisted of Citizen television’s press reporter and news anchor Melita Ole Tenges, Somali National News Agency (SNNA) editor Abdigan Abdullahi, The Radio Community (TRC) editor Daniel Garang and Communication professional Sharon Kinyanjui.

They concurred that news confirmation is main to the reporter’s work and should never ever be surrendered.

“As reporters, we are constantly under pressure to release breaking newspaper article as quickly as possible since we do not wish to be late. If you I have actually found out the difficult method, and all I can inform any reporter out there is that you ‘d much better be late than sorry,” stated Tenges.

Abdigan stressed the value of precise details as Somalia prepares to hold its very first direct elections in years, keeping in mind that access to trusted info is important for a notified electorate.

“What I take home from Machakos is practical: how to verify a claim quickly, how to tell a legitimate allegation from misinformation, and how AI is changing both the threats and the tools. Just as valuable was sitting at the same table with colleagues from Kenya and South Sudan. Our countries face the same information challenges, and IGAD has given us a network to face them together.”

Garang stated the workshop had actually deepened his understanding of info laundering, an approach through which bad stars look for recommendation from traditional outlets or popular figures to provide trustworthiness to incorrect stories.

“Once it is mentioned in the mainstream media or by high-profile people, they get the endorsement that they are actually looking for,” stated the TRC editor.

Grace Washira, among the individuals, explained the experience as an important encounter with experienced professionals.

She stated the training enhanced the midpoint of confirmation and the significance of staying available to constant knowing as a media specialist.

“It has actually been a great chance. I satisfied lots of veterans, and I value the chance to be amongst excellent minds. In this workshop, I discovered that as a media workers, I require to confirm truths. I require to be available to discovering and teaching individuals, and altering viewpoints,” she stated.

Source: TUKO.co.ke