Date of Award

2025

Degree Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Master of Arts (MA) in Digital Journalism​

First Advisor

Nyakundi Nyamboga

Department

Graduate School of Media and Communications

Abstract

Integrating AI in Kenyan digital media houses presents opportunities and challenges, underscoring the need for formal guidelines in newsrooms. This study examined the status of AI use guidelines in the editorial policies of Kenyan media houses, along with the challenges involved in formulating and implementing these guidelines. Semi-structured interviews served as the primary data collection method, conducted with editors and reporters from four purposively selected media houses: Nation Media Group (NMG), Kenyans.co.ke, Nairobileo.co.ke, and Sauce.co.ke, all based in Nairobi. A total of 14 journalists were interviewed. Additionally, editorial policies of the selected media houses were analysed to assess if AI guidelines were integrated to guide their use in news operations. The study established that none of the media houses currently have formal AI guidelines integrated into their editorial policies. However, AI is being applied in various areas of the editorial workflow. The process of formulating AI guidelines has been hindered by financial constraints, limited policy expertise to address the complexities of AI, lengthy bureaucratic procedures, and the lack of a legal framework to support these policies. Despite these challenges, journalists acknowledge the importance of clear guidelines to ensure AI's responsible and ethical use in news operations. The study recommends that media houses accelerate the development of editorial policies concerning AI usage and adopt a more consultative approach to policy development within newsrooms.

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