International Centre for Reproductive Health Kenya (ICRHK) in collaboration with Wanahabari Centre, conducted a comprehensive media orientation workshop under the Okoa Mama na Mtoto Initiative (OMMI). The workshop brought together journalists from six counties: Makueni, Bungoma, Kwale, Migori, Nairobi, and Garissa for a training designed to strengthen the media’s capacity to report on MNCH+N issues with depth, accuracy, and impact.
The workshop sought to empower journalists with the skills and knowledge necessary to elevate the visibility of maternal and child health issues within county-level conversations, ultimately influencing public opinion and policy decisions. The selected journalists represented various media platforms: television, print, radio, and digital and demonstrated a clear interest in expanding their health reporting portfolios.
Throughout the sessions, participants explored best practices in health reporting, including how to craft compelling print features, produce high-quality audio-visual segments, and effectively utilize social media platforms managed by their newsrooms to amplify public voices and promote engagement. The goal was to move beyond reporting statistics to telling human-centered stories that spark conversations and action.
One of the key sessions, facilitated by ICRHK, delved into the current landscape of maternal and child health in Kenya. Journalists were presented with recent national and county-specific data highlighting the urgency of the situation. Kenya currently records 355 maternal deaths per 100,000 live births a staggering figure compared to the global target of less than 70 by 2030. Participants examined trends in antenatal care coverage, place of birth, and childhood mortality, gaining a deeper understanding of the systemic challenges that contribute to these outcomes.
Journalists were reminded of the critical role they play in shaping public discourse and catalyzing accountability. By mainstreaming stories around maternal and child health, reporters can help ensure these issues remain a priority in national and county-level development agendas. The training emphasized the importance of producing solution-oriented journalism that not only highlights challenges but also documents successful interventions and models that can be scaled up.
The workshop culminated in a story conference where each journalist developed and presented story ideas focused on maternal and child health. Under the mentorship of Wanahabari trainers, the journalists refined their pitches, ensuring they were grounded in data, centered on compelling angles, and tailored to engage both primary and secondary audiences. This exercise laid the foundation for a series of impactful stories to be produced and aired between April and September 2025.
This orientation workshop marked a pivotal step in strengthening the media’s contribution to the Okoa Mama na Mtoto Initiative’s broader advocacy efforts. By equipping journalists to tell stories that matter, the initiative not only raises awareness but also galvanizes action toward reducing preventable maternal and child deaths and improving health outcomes across the country.
