NAIROBI, March 2026 –The launch of the SAFIRI project marks a significant turning point for the Kenya Correspondents Association as we introduce our inaugural newsletter dedicated to the future of the fourth estate.
Standing for Supporting African Future Investigative and Responsible Journalism, SAFIRI is a strategic initiative designed to nurture a new generation of investigative and responsible journalists who can navigate the complexities of a rapidly evolving media landscape. This three-year endeavour, running from early 2025 through 2028, arrives at a critical moment when the quality and frequency of investigative reporting in Kenya is facing a steep decline.
Economic pressures have forced many media houses to scale back their investigative desks, while a shrinking civic space and increasing state pushback against media scrutiny have made deep-dive reporting a high-risk pursuit. Despite these challenges, the fundamental necessity of investigative journalism remains unchanged.
It is the primary tool for holding power to account, inspiring citizen action, and advocating for the protection of human rights and transparent governance. Through a
collaborative partnership with the Aspen Africa Initiative and Free Press Unlimited, and
With the vital support of the European Union, the project focuses on empowering sixty young journalists between the ages of eighteen and thirty-five.
By prioritising local media and bridging the gap between traditional newsrooms and digital content creators, SAFIRI seeks to eliminate the disparities between urban and rural reporting while simultaneously addressing the modern plague of misinformation that often targets underserved communities.
Oloo Janak Director of Programs at Kenya Correspondents Association KCA during a previous SAFIRI training session. Photo Courtesy.
Janak emphasises that the project operates on the core belief that when journalists are equipped with advanced technical skills, sustainable funding, and robust professional networks, they can produce uncensored and impactful stories.
This approach includes intensive workshops on investigative protocols, safety, and ethical standards, followed by ongoing mentorship from industry veterans. Since its inception, the initiative has already conducted successful training cycles in Kisumu, Nairobi, and Mombasa. These sessions are part of a broad strategy to foster structured dialogue between the media and civil society, ensuring that reporting is not only accurate but also solution-oriented and inclusive of women, youth, and marginalised voices.
A major highlight of the project’s early phase was the Nairobi Media and CSO Conference, which brought together over 200 delegates
from the diplomatic community, government agencies, and development partners. Key speakers at the event underscored the inextricable link between press freedom
and an open civic space, emphasising that the health of a democracy is directly tied to the ability of its citizens to access quality information.
By working alongside a diverse coalition of partners including the Kenya Human Rights
Commission, Transparency International, and the Media Council of Kenya, the project is building a protective ecosystem for truth-tellers.
Looking ahead, the initiative will offer dedicated investigative grants to support
groundbreaking stories on governance and corruption, while also providing essential legal and psychological aid for journalists working
in high-pressure environments.
The ultimate goal is to reshape the future of Kenyan journalism through the lens of Afri-ethics, a framework that champions social
justice, cultural sensitivity, and community voice. As we move into the coming years, we remain committed to fostering a more informed and engaged society where democratic values are not just protected but also actively strengthened by the power of the written word.
On behalf of the Kenya Correspondents Association, we thank our partners and members for their continued dedication to this vital mission.
The writer is the Director of Programs,
Kenya Correspondents Association(KCA)
