Government rebranding KIMC as a premier hub for media and communication training

Evalyne Githinji-PCO

The Government is formulating the Kenya Institute of Mass Communication (KIMC) Draft Bill, 2024 that proposes the rebranding of the Institution as the Kenya School of Communication to expand its mandate in media and communication training.

Speaking as the chief guest during the KIMC graduation ceremony in Nairobi, the Cabinet Secretary, Ministry of Information, Communications and the Digital Economy, Dr. Margaret Nyambura Ndung’u revealed that once enacted, the Bill will transform the Institution comprehensively, allowing it to better prepare the next generation of media professionals.

“This transformation is not just a change of name but a bold step towards positioning KIMC as a premier hub for media and communication training in Kenya and beyond. The Bill aims to enhance educational quality, professionalize the sector, and contribute to the knowledge economy,” she said.

The CS reiterated that increased government investment in instructor skills and expanded enrolment will ensure that KIMC remains at the forefront of media education.

The Bill aims to enhance educational quality, professionalize the sector, and contribute to the knowledge economy and further to transform KIMC into a more robust and legally grounded institution.

“This initiative aligns with our vision to bridge skills gaps, enhance learning outcomes, and cultivate a knowledgeable and innovative workforce. Every graduate trained here will be equipped not only for a successful career but also to contribute meaningfully to the growth and transformation of Kenya’s media industry,” she noted.

CS Ndung’u indicated that the government’s Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda (BETA) prioritizes creating opportunities for all Kenyans, particularly in emerging sectors like the digital economy.

She said the government is investing in digital infrastructure and technology and is fully supporting industries such as media and film to thrive so that young people can harness their creativity and innovation, turning ideas into businesses and talents into careers.

She urged the graduates to be wary of cybersecurity threats, misinformation, and digital divide hurdles. The CS further pointed out that journalists face growing risks to information integrity, audience trust, and misinformation exacerbated by digital platforms and generative AI which poses a serious threat to democratic processes.

The CS urged the graduates to become ambassadors of responsible journalism, uphold the highest ethical standards, and promote digital hygiene in their practice.

On his part, the Principal Secretary for Broadcasting and Telecommunications Prof. Edward Kisiang’ani, called upon the graduates to lead in diligence, competence, specialize in communicating facts and exercise creative thinking in the media and communication industry.

“Be guided by the noble principles you have been taught here, while verifying facts before you go out to either distribute them or to use them as plain truth,” the PS reiterated.

PS Kisiang’ani highlighted the government’s commitment to continually actualize the BETA Agenda and empower youths to become entrepreneurs and create jobs in the informal sector.

In his remarks, the Chairperson, KIMC Council Mr. Jonyo Silas Otieno, expressed confidence that the Institution had fully equipped the 612 graduates with practical training and mentorship to make a meaningful impact on the country’s social economic development.

“At KIMC, we take pride in producing not just graduates but highly skilled professionals to thrive in the dynamic world of media, communications, cinematics and creative arts which is in line with the BETA Agenda,” he stated.