Editors and media practitioners marked World Radio Day 2026 in Nairobi with renewed focus on the implications of artificial intelligence for broadcasting, as policymakers and industry leaders called for safeguards to protect editorial integrity.
The national commemoration, hosted by the Media Council of Kenya (MCK), brought together regulators, editors, journalists, media managers and civil society representatives under the theme “Radio and Artificial Intelligence.” Discussions centred on how emerging technologies can be integrated into radio operations without undermining trust, accountability and professional standards.
In a speech delivered on his behalf, the Principal Secretary for Broadcasting and Telecommunications, Mr Stephen Isaboke, said artificial intelligence must remain a supportive tool within the media ecosystem. The remarks were read by Mr Temesi Mukani, Secretary for Information and Broadcasting at the Ministry of Information, Communications and the Digital Economy.
“As we embrace artificial intelligence in the broadcasting sector, we must be clear that AI is a tool, not a voice. It should support journalists in research, production and distribution, but must never replace human editorial judgement,” Mr Isaboke said.
He noted that while AI presents opportunities to enhance productivity and broaden access to information, particularly for underserved communities, its application must remain grounded in truth, transparency, ethical standards and the public interest. He added that as Kenya commemorates World Radio Day, stakeholders must safeguard radio’s public service mandate even as the sector adapts to technological change.
Among those present were representatives of the Kenya Editors’ Guild, led by its president Ms Zubeidah Kananu, alongside members of the Kenya Union of Journalists and other industry bodies.
MCK Chairman Mr Maina Muiruri highlighted radio’s continued relevance in Kenya’s democratic space, noting that it remains the most trusted and widely accessed medium in the country, reaching over 90 per cent of the population. He said that centrality demands policy frameworks that protect editorial independence while ensuring accountability, professionalism and adherence to ethical standards.
Kenya Union of Journalists Secretary General Eric Oduor speaking during the event to mark World Radio Day
Mr Muiruri described artificial intelligence as a structural shift in how media content is produced, distributed and consumed, requiring regulators and policymakers to adopt forward-looking approaches that anticipate risk and address emerging ethical concerns. While innovation is essential for sustainability in an increasingly fragmented digital marketplace, he said, it must be guided by safeguards that uphold accuracy, human oversight and the public interest.
MCK Chief Executive Officer Mr David Omwoyo said radio continues to honour its legacy while integrating emerging technologies to remain relevant in a rapidly evolving digital environment. Millions of Kenyans, he noted, still rely on radio as a trusted and accessible source of news, education and public discourse, particularly in remote and underserved communities.
During the event, the Council launched the report “Navigating the Digital Reality: Monetisation Challenges and Opportunities for Kenyan Media in the Digital Economy,” examining sustainability pathways for media organisations operating in an increasingly digital marketplace. It also unveiled a 90-day countdown to the Pan-Africa Media Summit, signalling renewed efforts to strengthen continental dialogue on media development and innovation.
A panel discussion on “Ethical and Legal Obligations in Maintaining Audience Trust Through Information Integrity” examined accountability frameworks in the age of artificial intelligence, reinforcing the broader message of the day: that technological transformation must reinforce, rather than erode, the ethical foundations of broadcasting.
