Best Universities in Kenya for Journalism and Mass Communication

Q: Is KIMC better than university for journalism?

KIMC produces graduates most directly industry-ready for broadcast media. University programmes (Daystar, Multimedia) produce graduates with stronger theoretical foundations and broader communication skills. Your choice depends on whether you want immediate broadcast media employment or a broader communications career foundation.

Q: Do I need a journalism degree to work in Kenya's media?

Technically no — many successful Kenyan journalists are not journalism graduates. However, structured training and industry connections through attachments accelerate career entry. Demonstrated skills and a strong portfolio matter most long-term.

Q: Is digital media a viable career path in Kenya?

Yes — the fastest growing segment of Kenya's media sector. YouTube channels, podcasts, news websites, and social media journalism create career opportunities outside traditional employment. Several Kenyan digital journalists earn significantly more from content and brand partnerships than comparable traditional media salaries.

Q: What professional bodies exist for journalists in Kenya?

The Media Council of Kenya (MCK) regulates media practice and provides journalist accreditation. The Kenya Editors Guild represents senior editorial staff. MCK accreditation is increasingly expected for formal media employment.

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Journalism and mass communication graduates in Kenya work across traditional media, digital media, PR, advertising, and organizational communications.

KIMC — The Broadcast Media Standard

The Kenya Institute of Mass Communication (KIMC) in Nairobi is Kenya’s dedicated government media training institution, producing the majority of working broadcast journalists, TV producers, and radio presenters. KIMC offers diploma and degree programmes in Journalism, Film and Television Production, Public Relations, and Communication. KIMC operates its own radio and TV production facilities used by students daily, providing unmatched practical industry exposure. Entry for diploma: KCSE C+. More accessible fees than private media colleges.

Daystar University

Daystar University (Karen, Nairobi) offers Kenya’s most academically rigorous journalism and communication degree programme with a strong ethics and development communication focus. Daystar graduates are found across Kenya’s print, online, and broadcast media. Strong writing focus produces graduates well-regarded by print and online media employers. Entry: KCSE C+. Fees: approximately KSh 120,000–180,000/year.

Multimedia University of Kenya

Multimedia University’s journalism and media programmes integrate digital production, broadcasting, and online journalism with traditional journalism skills. Strong for students interested in digital media, podcasting, YouTube production, and multimedia storytelling — reflecting current industry needs directly. Entry: KCSE C+.

💡 Tip: Build a digital portfolio from your first year — a blog, YouTube channel, podcast, or social media journalism account. Kenyan media employers and PR firms increasingly hire based on demonstrated digital capability and an existing audience alongside a degree certificate. Your portfolio is your real CV in this industry.

UoN and Moi University

University of Nairobi — School of Journalism and Mass Communication. Academic research focus with strong print journalism heritage. Good for students targeting news journalism and media research careers. Moi University — Department of Communication and Journalism, serving Rift Valley and western Kenya. Both offer government-sponsored KUCCPS placements.

Career Outcomes and Salaries

Graduates work in: television and radio (Nation, Standard, KBC, Citizen, K24), print and online media (Nation Media Group, Standard Group, Business Daily), PR and corporate communications, advertising agencies, NGO communications, government public communication, content creation, and digital media entrepreneurship. Entry-level broadcast journalists: KSh 25,000–50,000/month. PR and corporate communications roles generally pay more than newsroom journalism in Kenya’s current media economy.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is KIMC better than university for journalism?▼

What salary do journalists earn in Kenya?▼

Do I need a journalism degree to work in Kenya’s media?▼

Is digital media a viable career path in Kenya?▼

What professional bodies exist for journalists in Kenya?▼

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Written by Theophilus Mburu

Theophilus Mburu is a dedicated dentist and a contributing writer at Edunotes, bringing a unique blend of scientific insight and creativity to the blog. Beyond the clinic, he enjoys immersing himself in video games and exploring music, adding a fresh and relatable perspective to his content.