More than 400 senior secondary school students from Mombasa, Kwale and Taita-Taveta counties gathered at the Technical University of Mombasa (TUM) on Saturday for a Media, Information and Digital Literacy (MIDL) Open Day aimed at inspiring the next generation of journalists and promoting responsible digital citizenship.
The event, organized by the Media Council of Kenya (MCK), Coast Region, in collaboration with the Department of Communication Studies' TUMO Radio, brought together journalism club patrons, teachers, media practitioners and education stakeholders from across the Coast region.
More than 13 media organisations participated in the event through exhibitions, career talks, mentorship sessions and interactive demonstrations, giving learners an opportunity to engage directly with journalists and media professionals while exploring career pathways in communication and media. Participants also toured TUM's radio, television and podcast production studios, where Communication Studies students demonstrated live broadcast and podcast production.
Officially opening the event, Dean of the School of Humanities and Social Sciences Dr Madiha Salim welcomed the learners and reaffirmed TUM's commitment to nurturing future media professionals.
She said the Department of Communication Studies provides a practical learning environment that equips students with the knowledge, skills and professional values required to succeed in journalism, broadcasting, digital media and strategic communication.
Media Council of Kenya Coast Regional Coordinator Maureen Mudi said media, information and digital literacy had become an indispensable life skill in an increasingly digital world.
"Today is more than an Open Day. It is a conversation about the future and the kind of information environment our young people are growing up in," she said.
“Today's learners are not merely consumers of media. They are creators, influencers, storytellers and future professionals. This is why media, information and digital literacy is no longer optional. It is a life skill.”
Chairperson of the Department of Communication Studies Dr Guyo described the media as the Fourth Estate and encouraged learners to pursue careers that uphold professionalism, accountability and public service.
He noted that TUM is the only university in the Coast region offering communication and media programmes from diploma to postgraduate level, providing learners with a clear academic pathway into the profession.
Director of Career Services Dr Juliana Asser introduced learners to the diverse career opportunities available in communication and media while highlighting the academic programmes offered at the university.
Media practitioners challenged aspiring journalists to embrace integrity, discipline and lifelong learning while using emerging technologies responsibly. They encouraged learners to leverage digital platforms to showcase their talents but cautioned against overreliance on artificial intelligence at the expense of creativity, originality and critical thinking.
Speaking during the event, TUMO Radio Patron and Open Day Co-convenor Dr Victor Lutsili said the initiative was designed to connect aspiring journalists with experienced media professionals while strengthening media, information and digital literacy among young people in the Coast region.
"By bringing Journalism Club members together with practicing journalists, broadcasters, editors and digital content creators, we are giving these young people firsthand exposure to the realities of the profession. At the same time, we are equipping them with the critical thinking, ethical values and digital competencies they need to navigate today's rapidly evolving media landscape as responsible journalists and informed digital citizens," he said.
Dr Lutsili added that the Open Day also showcased the Technical University of Mombasa's practical approach to communication and media education, encouraging learners to consider pursuing the University's communication programmes, where industry engagement, hands-on training and innovation prepare graduates for careers in journalism, broadcasting, digital media and strategic communication.
One of the day's most inspiring speakers was TUM alumnus Japhet Kahindi Makanaki, now a sports commentator with SuperSport and Swahilipot FM.
Makanaki recounted how he nurtured his passion for sports commentary while growing up in Bamba, Kilifi County, long before embarking on a broadcasting career that has seen him commentate at the 2010 FIFA World Cup in South Africa, the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar and the 2024 World Martial Arts Cup in South Korea.
He urged the learners to pursue their dreams with determination, perseverance and discipline, reminding them that talent, when nurtured through hard work and resilience, can open doors to international opportunities.
The event also featured journalism club presentations, where learners demonstrated their reporting, broadcasting and presentation skills, highlighting the growing talent and enthusiasm for journalism among secondary school students in the region.
Among those inspired was Baraka Abdallah, popularly known by his presenter’s name Pascal Kapombe, from Kaya Tiwi Senior School.
"The event has been incredible. Touring the university and interacting with journalists from different media houses has motivated me to work harder towards my dream of becoming a sports commentator," he said.
The Media, Information and Digital Literacy Open Day reaffirmed the shared commitment of the Media Council of Kenya, the Technical University of Mombasa and media industry partners to nurturing ethical, digitally literate and industry-ready journalists while strengthening collaboration between schools, universities and the media industry to prepare the next generation of communication professionals.
