Mombasa Journalists Trained on AI Risks, IP Rights, and Mental Health Amid Political Misinformation Surge

Journalists in Mombasa County have been urged to exercise caution and verify information before sharing it online, as artificial intelligence (AI) technologies increasingly facilitate the spread of misinformation and propaganda. This advisory emerged during a two-day training programme organized by Baraza Media Lab in partnership with the Mombasa Press Club.

The workshop focused on critical areas including intellectual property rights, data protection, and mental health challenges faced by journalists. Lawyer Felicia Tunje highlighted the growing use of AI-generated images, videos, and text to disseminate false information, particularly within the current politically charged environment she described as "poisoned."

“In this season of politics where false information, misleading reports and propaganda are being spread, Kenyans must be careful about sharing unverified information,” Tunje cautioned.

During the sessions, 20 journalists received detailed instruction on Kenya’s Copyright Act, Trademark Act, data protection laws, defamation, and the ethical application of AI technologies within newsrooms. Tunje noted the difficulty in distinguishing authentic content from AI-manipulated media, especially when misinformation is presented through images or videos.

Complementing this, lawyer Lillian Makanga stressed the necessity for journalists to rigorously verify their content prior to publication to mitigate legal liabilities stemming from AI-generated misinformation. She remarked, “With deepfakes and AI voice cloning, the old rule of ‘seeing is believing’ no longer applies. Verification is now part of every journalist’s job.”

The training also addressed the mental health issues prevalent among journalists, such as stress, burnout, and trauma linked to their demanding work environments.

Rajab Salim, media and communications coordinator for Baraza Media Lab’s Mombasa Chapter, explained that the programme aimed to equip journalists with practical skills to identify manipulated content, understand their legal rights and responsibilities, and promote well-being in challenging newsroom settings.

“The workshop also provided journalists with guidance on copyright protection, fair use of content, and handling defamation claims in the digital age,” Salim added.

Founded in 2019, Baraza Media Lab has established itself as a leading platform within Africa’s media and creative sectors. Salim described the organization as “a dynamic platform for media practitioners and creatives, dedicated to fostering a collaborative environment where innovative ideas and experimentation thrive.”

He further emphasized the Lab’s mission: “Our mission is to build a vibrant community committed to the public interest, advancing collaborative storytelling, elevating media and creative skills, and nurturing new business models across Kenya, neighboring regions, and the entire continent.”