Reimagining Journalism in the Age of AI: Insights from Amb. Philip Thigo, MBS

On March 13, 2025, the Kenya Editors Guild convened a pivotal discussion at the Fairmont Norfolk Hotel under the theme “Reimagining Tomorrow’s Journalism Today.” The event, part of the Guild’s ongoing efforts to explore the intersection of technology and media, focused on the transformative role of artificial intelligence (AI) in health, development, and journalism. The keynote speaker, Ambassador Philip Thigo, MBS, a distinguished expert in technology policy and digital transformation, delivered a compelling address on the future of journalism amid AI-driven disruptions.

The Guild’s Mandate and the AI Conversation

The Kenya Editors Guild CEO opened the session by outlining the Guild’s role in defending press freedom, fostering professional development, and promoting responsible journalism. He emphasized how AI has been an ongoing conversation within the media sector since 2023, with growing urgency to address its implications.

This forum was designed to bridge AI advancements with practical applications in journalism and broader societal concerns like health and governance. Contributors included the University of Nairobi and Intel Soft Consulting, who are actively researching AI’s role in healthcare, a sector that has seen rapid AI integration for data management and predictive analytics.

AI as a Global Accelerator: Key Takeaways from Amb. Philip Thigo

Amb. Thigo structured his keynote around three global accelerators reshaping societies:

1. Climate Change – A pressing existential challenge that demands real-time data and responsive media narratives.

2. Demography – A youthful population with evolving content consumption habits, influencing journalism and digital storytelling.

3. Technology – AI, platform dominance, and shifting communication behaviors.

The Rise of AI and Its Impact

AI is not a new phenomenon, but the rise of generative AI marks a paradigm shift. Thigo highlighted:

• The Digital Shift: Kenyans spend an average of 4 hours and 30 minutes daily online, reflecting the deep entrenchment of digital habits.

• Platform Power: The world’s internet penetration now stands at 75%, fueling new forms of journalism and information sharing.

• AI in Action: Examples included AI’s role in maternal healthcare, UAE’s genomics program, and flood mapping with the Red Cross, showing its vast potential beyond media.

Challenges: Misinformation, Trust, and Inequality

While AI brings efficiency, it also introduces challenges:

• Misinformation & Manipulation: AI-generated content can blur the lines between fact and fiction, making journalistic integrity more critical than ever.

• Inequality: The benefits of AI aren’t evenly distributed—developing regions risk being left behind in AI-driven progress.

• Trust in Media: The rise of synthetic media calls for stronger ethical frameworks to maintain credibility.

The Call to Action: What Media Must Do

Amb. Thigo urged journalists and media houses to:

1. Upskill & Adapt – AI literacy should be a core skill for journalists, allowing them to leverage AI while maintaining editorial integrity.

2. Rethink Governance – Media organizations must implement AI policies that safeguard accuracy and transparency.

3. Prepare for Non-Linear Change – Journalism must embrace agility, acknowledging that technological disruptions are unpredictable.

He emphasized that the AI revolution isn’t just about efficiency but about reshaping power structures in media and society. Those who proactively engage with AI will lead the future of storytelling.

AI & Health: The Next Frontier

The event also teased upcoming discussions on AI in healthcare, featuring experts like:

• Dr. Paul Musharia (specializing in AI-powered HIV information systems).

• Dr. Terry Mo (focused on AI-driven cancer registry data).

Their insights will shed light on AI’s expanding role in disease tracking, diagnosis, and personalized medicine—all critical areas for journalists covering health and development.

Conclusion

AI is redefining journalism, not just as a tool but as a transformative force shaping how stories are told, trusted, and consumed. As Amb. Thigo articulated, the future belongs to those who embrace AI while staying anchored in journalistic principles.

The Kenya Editors Guild’s ongoing discussions are a call to action for journalists, policymakers, and the public to engage critically with AI’s impact on society. As AI evolves, so must journalism—ensuring it remains a pillar of truth in an age of digital disruption.