Katiba Institute, in partnership with the Media Council of Kenya, Internews and UNESCO, hosted this year’s World Radio Day under the theme “Radio and Artificial Intelligence: Innovation that Empowers, Ethics that Inspire, Trust that Endures.”

The event brought together journalists, civil society organisations, academia, government representatives, and university students to reflect on the future of radio in an AI-driven media landscape.

Speaking during the event, Katiba Institute’s Deputy Executive Director, Christine Kuria, emphasised that AI governance should not be viewed merely as a technical issue, but fundamentally as a constitutional one. She underscored that technology must align with constitutional values, innovation must serve the public interest, and digital rights are constitutional rights.

“We have consistently maintained that constitutional rights do not diminish in digital spaces. Technology must align with constitutional values, and innovation must serve the public interest. AI governance in media cannot be treated as a purely technical matter; it is a constitutional issue that goes to the heart of democratic participation,” she said.

Christine further highlighted AI’s transformative potential in advancing access to information, as guaranteed under Article 35 of the Constitution of Kenya. She noted that AI can enable real-time translation into local languages, enhance accessibility for persons with disabilities through speech-to-text and text-to-speech tools, and strengthen factchecking and verification processes. If properly governed, AI can expand reach, reduce linguistic barriers, and promote civic education.

However, she cautioned that these benefits are accompanied by significant risks. Algorithmic bias may marginalize certain communities. Deepfake audio and synthetic voices can undermine trust in broadcasting. Opaque algorithmic systems may influence editorial decisions without transparency, while data-driven audience analytics may infringe on privacy if not properly regulated. She emphasized that access to information is not merely about availability, but also about reliability, credibility, inclusivity, and accountability.

Christine lauded the multi-stakeholder partnership behind the event, noting that effective AI governance in media requires collaboration among regulators, civil society, technologists, policymakers, and broadcasters. The Media Council of Kenya provides regulatory leadership and industry oversight; Internews strengthens innovation and journalist capacity; UNESCO offers global standards on press freedom and ethical AI governance; and Katiba Institute ensures that constitutional safeguards and accountability remain central to the conversation.

Media Council of Kenya CEO, David Omwoyo, reiterated the significance of the theme, reminding broadcasters that technology must strengthen credibility, transparency, and public confidence. He also referenced the Council’s report, Navigating the Digital Reality: Monetisation Challenges and Opportunities for Kenyan Media in the Digital Economy, which examines sustainability issues facing media in a rapidly evolving digital environment.

Patriciah Joseph, Program Manager at Katiba Institute, participated in a panel discussion on ethical and legal obligations in maintaining audience trust through information integrity. She raised critical questions on safeguarding media freedom while observing the limitations under Article 33(2) of the Constitution, which addresses restrictions related to harmful content. The discussion also explored platform accountability, the shared responsibility between users and technology companies, fact-checking practices, algorithmic bias, and experiences with AI tools and their challenges.

According to the 2025 State of the Media Report, radio is one of the most consumed platform in Kenya after social media. It serves as the primary source of news for 55% of the population, maintaining its status as a trusted pillar of the country’s information ecosystem.

As stakeholders reflected on innovation and accountability, the message was clear: Artificial Intelligence must strengthen trust, protect constitutional rights, and reinforce radio’s enduring role in Kenya’s democracy.

About World Radio Day

World Radio Day was proclaimed in 2011 by UNESCO to celebrate radio as a powerful medium for information, dialogue, and peace. 13 February marks the anniversary of the establishment of United Nations Radio in 1946. In 2012, the United Nations General Assembly formally adopted the day as an International Day of the United Nations. Since then, World Radio Day has been commemorated annually to highlight radio’s enduring relevance, promote press freedom, and encourage international cooperation among broadcasters worldwide.