Investigative journalism short courses for journalists in Kenya and Tanzania

• Who can apply: New and mid-career journalists in Kenya and Tanzania
• Number of courses: Five 10-day short courses
• Dates: Class 1 – 25 April-6 May; Class 2 – 9-20 May; Class 3 – 23 May-3 June; Class 4 – 6-19 June
• Location: Virtual; 0900-1300 hours
• Available slots: 15 participants per class
• Application deadlines: Class 1 – 20 April; Class 2-4 – 3 May 

The African Centre for Media Excellence (ACME) with support from the National Endowment for Democracy, invites applications from journalists based in Kenya and Tanzania for a short, intensive and practical courses on investigative journalism. The courses, which will take place online, involve a 10-day half-day workshop designed to equip journalists with skills to discover, uncover and report stories nobody else has — and subsequently a mentorship and networking programme.

About the course 

Participants will learn how to use investigative tools to uncover information that is concealed either deliberately by someone in a position of power, or accidentally behind a chaotic mass of facts and circumstances, and analyse and expose all relevant facts to the public.  They will learn how to ask meaningful questions and how to source material. Participants will also be coached in best journalism practices and the most effective way to structure and present their stories. The trained journalists will also meet virtually for a networking, experience-sharing and peer learning meeting.

Why should you apply for the fellowship?

The fellowship offers journalists an opportunity to take time out from the newsroom to enhance their investigative journalism skills. Participants will examine what investigative journalism is, how to conceive, research and write investigative stories – recognizing when something should be a long-term project; basic criteria for launching into the story; testing and retesting the hypothesis throughout the investigation; shifting direction when the reporting dictates that the story direction has changed. They will also be asked to think about possible investigative projects they want to work on upon their return to the workplace, using the lessons learned during the course.

Who is eligible?

The fellowship is open to both new and mid-career journalists from Kenya and Tanzania. Applicants are required to select one class date that is preferable to them. Female journalists are strongly encouraged to apply.

Applicants are expected to negotiate with their supervisors for time away from their places of work. ACME will not pay a per diem to participants but will fund learning and data costs for all. All participants are required to attend in full all ten days of the training workshop. Participants will also be expected to participate in mentorship after the course and to produce at least one story.

Application procedure 

• All applications should be made online. To access the application form, click here.
• All applicants are required to submit at least three samples of published or broadcast stories.
• Successful applicants must commit to attending all 10 days of training.

For further inquiries about this course, please write to training@acme-ug.org.

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Image by mohamed Hassan from Pixabay