2026 Gender + AI Reporting Fellowship for Kenyan Women Journalists: Apply Now

Women journalists in Kenya have a new chance to explore how artificial intelligence affects gender issues. The Africa Women Journalism Project (AWJP) and DW Akademie have opened applications for the 2026 Gender + AI Reporting Fellowship. This program helps 10 women journalists create stories on AI’s impact on women and gender-diverse groups.

The fellowship runs from April to September 2026. It focuses on how AI shapes areas like finance, health care, government, education, and digital services. AI can create chances but also spread bias and inequality. Fellows will learn to report on these topics and use AI tools in their work.

What the Fellowship Offers

This is the second group of the Gender + AI Reporting Fellowship. The first group produced reports on gender and new tech. No tech background is needed. Training covers AI basics, gender-sensitive reporting, and investigative skills.

Fellows get hands-on help to build strong stories. They will look at AI’s effects on women in everyday life. Topics include governance, development, finance, education, health, and climate change.

Priority goes to journalists from Coastal, Nyanza, Western, Rift Valley (including Turkana), and Central regions.

Who Can Apply

The program seeks curious women journalists ready to dig into gender, tech, and society. You must meet these rules:

Be a woman journalist based in Kenya.
Work in print, radio, TV, or digital media.
Join online training and mentorship.
Have a laptop and steady internet.
Show interest in gender, tech, or digital stories.

Freelancers can apply. You need a signed letter from a newsroom or outlet that agrees to publish your stories.

Key Benefits for Fellows

Selected journalists receive real support to succeed. Benefits include:

Microgrants to produce stories.
Access to AI tools made for journalism.
One-on-one mentorship from top journalists and editors.
Help with data analysis and visual stories.
Networking events and career growth chances.

These perks help fellows create high-quality work and build skills.

Program Timeline and Phases

The six-month fellowship mixes learning, guidance, and story-making.

Training Phase

Online sessions teach key skills:

AI basics for reporters.
Reporting with a gender lens.
Checking AI’s social effects.
Safe ways to use AI in news.
Covering data, algorithms, and digital systems.

Experts from AWJP, DW Akademie, journalists, and AI pros lead the sessions.

Mentorship Support

Each fellow gets personal coaching. This covers:

Ideas for story topics.
Feedback on drafts.
Help during research and writing.

Story Production

Fellows make and publish original pieces. They get guidance on reporting and tools. Stories focus on AI’s role in gender issues.

Final Showcase

The program ends with a public event. Fellows share their work with media leaders, editors, and partners.

What Fellows Will Produce

Each participant creates four original stories. These explore AI and digital tech’s effects on women and gender-diverse people. Fellows also test AI tools to improve their reporting.

Stories can cover real-world examples in key fields. This output builds a stronger media focus on these topics.

Application Steps

Apply by April 15, 2026. Use the online form and submit:

CV (up to 2 pages).
Three published work samples.
Four story ideas (up to 800 words total).
Motivational statement (up to 500 words).
Signed letter of intent to publish.

The form is at this link. For questions, email [email protected].

More details are on the official webpage. This fellowship equips Kenyan women journalists to lead coverage on AI and gender.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who can apply for the Gender + AI Reporting Fellowship?

Women journalists based in Kenya who work in print, radio, TV, or digital media and have interest in gender and tech stories; freelancers need a letter from a publisher.

What benefits do fellows get?

Fellows receive microgrants, access to AI tools, personal mentorship, data analysis help, and networking opportunities to produce strong stories.

What is the timeline for the fellowship?

The program runs from April to September 2026, with phases for training, mentorship, story production, and a final showcase event.

How do I apply and what is the deadline?

Submit an online form with your CV, three work samples, four story ideas, a motivational statement, and a publication letter by April 15, 2026.