Narok, Migori journalists train in climate change reporting

As climate change increasingly impacts rural livelihoods across the country, a new initiative is equipping journalists with the tools to share compelling stories of environmental resilience and restoration.

Thirty-nine journalists and editors from Narok and Migori counties participated in a two-day workshop titled "Building Media Capacity on Environmental Reporting" in Narok from May 6 to 8.

The training was organised by the implementing partners of the Global EverGreening Alliance’s Restore Africa programme, led by World Vision Kenya and Justdiggit.

Faith Muniale, Director of the Restore Africa Programme at World Vision Kenya, explained that the workshop aimed to strengthen the media's ability to report accurately and effectively on climate and environmental issues, particularly those affecting smallholder farmers.

With a growing need for localised and relatable climate communication, Dr Muniale emphasised that the training focused on developing storytelling skills that highlight community-driven efforts in ecosystem restoration.

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“Local journalists are crucial for raising awareness, shaping public opinion, and inspiring climate action,” Muniale said.

“This training empowers them to communicate the urgent need for restoration in a way that resonates with the public.” she added.

Restore Africa programme is the world’s largest community-led land restoration initiative.

In Kenya, it aims to restore 250,000 hectares of degraded land, support 250,000 smallholder farmers, and sequester more than 11 million tonnes of carbon dioxide over 30 years.

In Migori County, the programme is working with over 3,200 farmers in Nyatike Sub-County, where 210,000 tree seedlings were planted during the 2024 rainy season.

Additionally, 180,000 trees have been registered under Farmer-Managed Natural Regeneration (FMNR), a key technique in land restoration.

The ultimate goal is to restore 6,416 hectares of land and improve the livelihoods  of over 14,000 households.

In Narok County, efforts are underway to engage more than 50,000 smallholder farmers and restore 77,500 hectares through a combination of FMNR and tree planting.

So far, 375,000 indigenous trees have been planted, with 9,000 farmers actively participating in restoration activities.

George Omollo, project coordinator at Justdiggit, noted that the Narok workshop marks the beginning of a nationwide training effort.

Similar sessions are planned in Kilifi, Kwale, and Elgeyo Marakwet counties.

“Our overall goal is to train more than 100 journalists, amplifying local voices and promoting informed public dialogue around climate solutions,” Omollo said.

As Kenya faces increasingly frequent droughts, floods, and heat waves, the role of the media in climate education and advocacy has never been more crucial.