Efforts to enhance media education and align academic training with professional standards have gained momentum following a strategic engagement between the Media Council of Kenya (MCK) and Strathmore University School of Humanities and Social Sciences. The initiative aims to strengthen media training and foster institutional collaboration.

The two institutions are exploring ways to improve the training of communication students pursuing Journalism, Public Relations, and Development Communication by bridging the gap between academic theory and professional practice.

Speaking during the engagement, MCK Director of Corporate Services, Hillary Korir, emphasised the importance of structured collaboration between academia and industry in shaping a competent and ethical media workforce.

“The sustainability and credibility of the media sector begin in our institutions of learning. As the regulator, we are keen to ensure that communication programmes are aligned with professional standards, ethical practice, and the evolving demands of the industry,” said Mr. Korir.

He noted that emerging communication programmes have a unique opportunity to build strong foundations anchored in quality, accountability, and regulatory compliance from the outset.

SHSS Academic Director, Dr. Arbogast Akidiva, highlighted the importance of aligning academic instruction with industry realities.

“As an institution committed to academic excellence, we recognise the need to align communication training with professional practice. Partnerships such as this strengthen curriculum delivery, deepen practical exposure, and prepare students to meet industry expectations with competence and integrity,” said Dr. Akidiva.

He further stressed the need to explore the development of a harmonised curriculum framework in media studies to enhance intellectual rigour and ensure consistency in training standards across institutions.

“A shared framework in media studies would strengthen academic quality and ensure graduates meet comparable professional benchmarks,” he added.

The collaboration will also leverage practical training platforms, including the university’s online radio station, Strath Hits, and a small recording studio supporting photography and audio production. These facilities provide students with hands-on experience in broadcasting, multimedia storytelling, and content production.

MCK Manager of Board Services and Manager of Fundraising and Partnership Relations, Stella Kaaria, emphasised the importance of strengthening professional pathways and urged media students to pursue accreditation as part of their transition into the industry.

“Accreditation affirms commitment to ethical journalism and professional accountability. As students prepare to enter the media space, they must understand that credibility and standards are as important as skill,” she noted.

She further proposed exploring a collaborative side event bringing together students and practising journalists during key national media commemorations to create opportunities for mentorship, dialogue, and structured professional engagement.

The article was first published here.