BAKE, Rongo University, and KICTANet unite to empower Western Kenya’s digital storytellers through a transformative capacity-building initiative.

On Thursday 30th of April 2026, in partnership with Rongo University and KICTANet, we successfully conducted an intensive one-day capacity building workshop Rongo University at the aimed at strengthening the skills and impact of digital storytellers in Migori County and the wider western Kenya region.

The workshop brought together a diverse group of creators including bloggers, student journalists, YouTubers, podcasters, and aspiring influencers from within the university and surrounding creative hubs.

As the digital landscape in western Kenya continues to expand, so too have the demands placed on content creators. Regional creators have as well been instrumental in shaping narratives, preserving local stories, and contributing to Kenya’s digital economy.  The workshop responded to this shift by equipping participants with practical skills to move beyond passion-driven content into more strategic, impactful, and professional storytelling.

The training focused on bridging the gap between creativity and professionalism. Participants were taken through key areas such as content development, audience engagement, and personal branding critical components for building sustainable digital careers. Emphasis was also placed on responsible digital storytelling, with facilitators highlighting the ethical considerations that come with creating and sharing content in today’s fast-paced digital environment.

A key outcome of the workshop was the strengthening of digital resilience among participants. With increasing concerns around misinformation, online harassment, and data privacy, attendees were introduced to essential digital safety practices and cyber hygiene techniques. These skills are expected to not only protect individual creators but also contribute to building a more credible and trustworthy online ecosystem.

Beyond skill-building, the workshop fostered meaningful connections among participants. It created a platform for networking, peer learning, and potential collaborations across different forms of digital storytelling. These connections are expected to extend beyond the workshop, supporting continued growth and innovation within the region’s creative community.

The workshop marked a significant step towards nurturing a new generation of informed, skilled, and responsible digital storytellers individuals who are now better equipped to navigate the digital space, influence conversations, and contribute meaningfully to Kenya’s evolving digital landscape.

During the visit, we also paid a courtesy call to the Deputy Vice Chancellor of Rongo University Prof. Daniel Kipkirong Tarus where we discussed at length about our training on digital content creation, monetization and cyber resilience at the institution. By hosting the training in Migori County and specifically the University of Rongo,  we are bridging the gap between academia and industry. We are ensuring that young professionals, including students and local creators who are among the voices that are often underrepresented are equipped with real-life professional experiences, giving these local storytellers the tools to tell their own truths and command a global audience.