20 Apr 2026   School journalism club patrons across Nyanza have been urged to mentor learners into responsible content creators ahead of the Nyanza Journalism Expo, as the Media Council of Kenya (MCK) steps up its Media Information and Digital Literacy push. The engagement, held at Kisii School, brought together journalism club patrons from Kisumu, Homa Bay, Migori, Kisii, and Nyamira counties. MCK Director for Media Training and Development Victor Bwire underscored that while the digital era has democratised journalism, allowing anyone with a smartphone to create, publish, and monetise content, it has also amplified risks of misinformation, hate speech, cybercrime, and exposure to harmful material among young audiences. "As the students prepare for the Expo, they should remember that professionalism means doing things according to rules and regulations. We want to help students move from raw talent to disciplined professionals who know what to consume and create for the public good," Mr. Bwire said. He noted that under the Media Council Act of 2013, the Council remains the statutory regulatory body mandated to oversee accreditation, training, discipline, and ethical compliance in journalism, emphasising that professionalism must guide both trained journalists and emerging student creators. "Journalism is a creative art, and there are people who are talented at a very young age. They can write, monetise content using their phones by building followers and selling to media houses," he said, while cautioning that freedom of expression comes with limits, including respect for national security, public order, and the rights of others. MCK Kisumu Regional Coordinator Teddy Evans urged schools to establish structured and sustainable journalism club activities ahead of the Nyanza Expo 2026, set for May 24 at Homabay Boys High School in Homabay County. He outlined structured participation categories, such as news reporting, podcasting, multimedia production, interviewing, sports commentary, and journalism club portfolios, encouraging schools to showcase consistent, non-political, public-interest content that reflects creativity and ethical awareness. Mr Evans announced that the Expo is designed not merely as a competitive showcase but as a sustainability platform to assess ongoing club activities, talent development, and adherence to professional standards. He further encouraged patrons to nurture active clubs that equip students with skills in content evaluation, fact-checking, and transforming talent into professional, marketable opportunities. "This training is part of ongoing efforts to strengthen media literacy, with similar sessions planned for the Western region and the possibility of a national expo," he said.