Africa Investigative Journalism Lab 2026 in Kenya
The Africa Investigative Journalism Lab 2026 is a one-week residential advanced training programme for practising journalists. Organised by Africa Uncensored in partnership with the Konrad Adenauer Stiftung Regional Media Programme for Sub-Saharan Africa, the training will take place in Mombasa, Kenya, from 4–8 November 2026. Selected participants receive residential accommodation and travel support, and applications close on Saturday, 15 August 2026.
Quick Overview
Programme: Africa Investigative Journalism Lab
Opportunity Type: Advanced Investigative Journalism Training
Organizers: Africa Uncensored and Konrad Adenauer Stiftung Regional Media Programme for Sub-Saharan Africa
Country: Kenya
Location: Mombasa
Programme Format: Residential
Duration: One week
Programme Dates: 4–8 November 2026
Application Deadline: Saturday, 15 August 2026
Target Group: Mid-career and senior journalists
About the Africa Investigative Journalism Lab
The programme is designed to strengthen the investigative skills of practising journalists from East Africa and beyond.
Participants will work directly with experienced investigative reporters, editors, and digital forensics experts. The training combines practical story development with skills in data journalism, source protection, legal frameworks, and digital verification.
The programme also aims to help every participant develop at least one publishable investigative story by the end of the training.
Training Objectives
The Africa Investigative Journalism Lab aims to:
• Strengthen participants’ ability to conceptualise, research, and execute investigative stories.
• Provide practical training in data journalism.
• Develop skills in open-source intelligence (OSINT).
• Introduce digital verification tools and techniques.
• Strengthen knowledge of legal protections for journalists.
• Address safety protocols and ethical considerations in investigative reporting.
• Build a regional network of journalists committed to accountability journalism.
• Support participants in developing at least one publishable investigative story.
Also read: DDC x TrygFonden Fellowship Program 2027 at SDU
Eligibility Criteria
The training is intended for practising journalists who meet the programme’s professional profile.
Applicants should be:
• Mid-career or senior journalists with at least three years of active reporting experience.
• Journalists who have previously worked on investigative or accountability reporting or have expressed an interest in these areas.
• Staff reporters, freelancers, editors, or multimedia journalists actively involved in reporting, investigative journalism, or editorial leadership.
• Working in print, broadcast, or digital media.
Journalists from Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, Rwanda, Ethiopia, Somalia, and other African countries are encouraged to apply.
Benefits and Programme Support
Selected participants will receive:
✓ Mentorship and editorial support from investigative journalists
✓ Training materials, tools, and digital investigative techniques
✓ Full residential accommodation in Mombasa for the duration of the training
✓ Return travel support for participants based outside Mombasa
✓ Certificate of participation upon successful completion
Check: Sydney Brenner Research Fellowship at Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory
Selection Criteria
Applications will be assessed according to several criteria.
The selection process considers:
• Demonstrated journalism experience.
• A portfolio of published work.
• The quality of the proposed investigative story pitch.
• The feasibility of the proposed story.
• Clarity of the applicant’s motivation.
• Commitment to accountability journalism.
Geographic and gender diversity will also be considered during selection. Women journalists are strongly encouraged to apply.
Required Documents
Applicants must submit:
• A completed application form.
• A current résumé or Curriculum Vitae of no more than three pages.
• A 300–500 word investigative story pitch.
• Three samples of published investigative or accountability journalism work.
• A letter of support.
The investigative story pitch should explain:
• The issue the applicant wants to investigate.
• The public-interest angle.
• Potential sources for the investigation.
Published work samples may be provided as links or PDF files.
Staff journalists should obtain a support letter from their editor or media organisation. Freelance journalists may submit a letter from a commissioning editor, media partner, or professional referee.
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Application Process
Candidates should prepare all required materials before completing the official application form.
The application process includes:
• Prepare an updated CV of no more than three pages.
• Develop a 300–500 word investigative story pitch.
• Select three published investigative or accountability journalism samples.
• Obtain the required support letter.
• Complete the official application form.
• Submit all required information and materials before the deadline.
Application Deadline
The application deadline for the Africa Investigative Journalism Lab is Saturday, 15 August 2026.
Applicants should submit the complete application and required supporting materials through the official application form by the stated deadline.
Official Link
Submit your application through the official application link below.
