By: Abdulaziz Abeid
Students pursuing Journalism and Communication Studies at the Technical University of Mombasa (TUM) have gained valuable skills and industry insights after participating in a two-day training from 10th March 2026 to 11th March 2026 on investigative journalism and documentary production.
The training, organized by Dr. Victor Lutsili, a lecturer in the Department of Communication Studies, and facilitated by media experts from Africa Uncensored, brought together experienced investigative journalists and communication students. The engagement provided students with a unique opportunity to interact directly with media practitioners, allowing them to gain mentorship, practical exposure, and a deeper understanding of the evolving media landscape.
During the sessions, students learned the basics of investigative journalism and its role in promoting transparency and accountability. They also received hands-on training in cinematography, radio feature production, multimedia storytelling, fact-checking, and video editing skills essential in modern digital journalism.
Speaking during the training, Dr. Victor Lutsili commended the collaboration between the university and Africa Uncensored, stating that partnerships between universities and industry players are essential in ensuring that graduates acquire practical experience that complements theoretical learning.
“The students we produce are expected to be practical and industry-ready, yet much of what we teach in class is theory. That is why it is important to bring industry practitioners so that students can learn directly from professionals working in the field,” he said.
Dr. Lutsili further noted that such engagements also help students establish professional networks in the media industry, which can lead to internship opportunities, mentorship, and employment after graduation.
“These engagements help our students build networks with industry professionals. Through such networks, they can access internships, mentorship, and even employment after graduation. Africa Uncensored has expressed interest in offering internship opportunities for fourth-year students and industrial attachment placements for third-year Communication students,” Dr. Lutsili explained.
On his part, Samuel Munia, Managing Editor at Africa Uncensored, explained that the organization’s outreach to universities forms part of its broader mission to empower the next generation of journalists with the skills needed to thrive in the modern media environment.
“We are living in a time where fake news and propaganda are spreading rapidly online. Journalists must develop the skills to verify information and debunk misleading content, including material that may be generated using artificial intelligence,” he said
Munia further noted that the decision to conduct the training at TUM was influenced by the university’s growing reputation as a leading centre of higher learning in the coastal region.
He also commended the strong interest demonstrated by TUM students in investigative journalism.
“Unlike many campuses we have visited, the students here have shown a very strong interest in understanding investigative journalism and how it works. That enthusiasm makes engagements like this very rewarding,” he said.
Munia also expressed optimism about strengthening collaboration between Africa Uncensored and the Department of Communication Studies at TUM, noting that such partnerships contribute to strengthening journalism and promoting accountability through well-researched investigative reporting
Students who participated in the training described the experience as eye-opening and beneficial to their professional growth, noting that the interaction with experienced journalists helped them better understand the practical aspects of producing professional stories.
