By Neema Mujesia,
KICTANet and the Mombasa Press Club (MPC) are pursuing a partnership aimed at strengthening digital safety and resilience among journalists operating in Mombasa County. The collaboration seeks to empower media practitioners with the knowledge and tools to navigate the rapidly evolving digital landscape safely and ethically.
The Mombasa Press Club, a professional caucus under the Media Council of Kenya (MCK), brings together accredited journalists committed to upholding integrity and professionalism in the media industry. Established as part of MCK’s initiative to strengthen county-level media networks, MPC continues to grow as a platform for capacity building, collaboration, and advocacy for journalists’ welfare.
During a meeting held in KICTANet’s offices, Nairobi, Omar Abdallah, the Chairman of the Mombasa Press Club, emphasized the critical need for continued training for journalists.
“Many journalists are victims of the same challenges they report on. That’s why training is so important, to equip them with the knowledge and skills to navigate these issues responsibly and safely. Our goal is to build partnerships that empower journalists, not just for their own benefit, but for the good of the entire profession”, Abdallah said.
MPC’s Vice Chairperson, Jasmine Atieno, highlighted the importance of inclusivity and gender sensitivity in the initiative.
” When women journalists feel safe enough to speak, you realize how much pain has been hidden in silence. That’s why creating safe spaces isn’t just important, it’s urgent. We want to build inclusive training and conversations that empower all journalists, because safety in the newsroom should never depend on gender,” Atieno noted.
Representing KICTANet, Gender Programmes Officer Cherie Oyier reaffirmed the organization’s commitment to expanding digital safety efforts beyond Nairobi.
” For too long, these have been Nairobi conversations. Partnering with the Mombasa Press Club gives us a chance to expand our reach and ensure journalists across the counties are equipped with the skills and support they need to stay safe and exercise their freedoms responsibly,” she said.
Echoing this, Neema Mujesia, Communications Advisor at KICTANet underscored the importance of sustainability and long-term engagement in training programs.
” Short-term training creates awareness, but without follow-ups, there’s no real change. We need consistent, structured programs that build confidence and skills over time. Starting with online spaces gives us a sustainable way to empower journalists to reclaim digital spaces that have become unsafe and to grow stronger together,” Mujesia emphasized.
The partnership builds on KICTANet’s longstanding efforts to advance digital inclusion and safety through research and training. As the digital environment continues to shape how journalists work, this collaboration marks an important step toward strengthening resilience, promoting responsible technology use, and ensuring that all journalists, especially those in coastal regions, are equipped to thrive in a connected world.