Multimedia University of Kenya (MMU) journalism students gained first-hand exposure to international journalism practice during an educational visit to the United States Embassy in Nairobi, as part of their training in public affairs reporting.
The learners, drawn from the Faculty of Media and Communication’s Print Journalism Specialization, undertook the out-of-class session to bridge theory with practice in covering governance, public affairs and international relations.
The visit was facilitated by the public affairs reporting unit lecturer Prof. Wilson Ugangu who is also an Associate Dean at the faculty.
Speaking during the engagement, embassy spokesperson James Hagengruber lauded MMU’s commitment to nurturing quality journalism, noting the critical role of media in governance.
He encouraged the students to pursue their profession with dedication, adding that the embassy is exploring future internship opportunities for communication students.
Deputy spokesperson Emily Ella challenged the aspiring journalists to uphold ethical standards, particularly in reporting international affairs, emphasizing the role of Kenyan media in shaping how global audiences understand local developments.
Political reporting officer Ben Jalowsky highlighted the media’s duty to hold society accountable by exposing issues such as corruption, human trafficking, and extremism, urging the students to approach such coverage with courage and professionalism.
The session also featured an interaction with The New York Times East Africa Bureau Chief Matthew Mpoke, who shared practical insights on reporting across Africa and other developing regions.
He encouraged the students to tell underreported stories that reflect the lived realities of communities often overlooked in global narratives.
Report by Faculty of Media and Communication’s Print Journalism Specialization students