By Hezron Ochiel
Some people enter journalism for the bylines. My friend stepped into the newsroom looking for something much deeper. He believed storytelling could transform lives and uplift communities. Let’s call him the Nomad, a journalist who turned vision into action in the digital news space.
The Nomad did not follow the crowd. While most reporters scrambled to cover politics, he shifted his lens to science and the environment. His feature stories on climate change, water conservation, and general health earned him respect in the newsroom. More importantly, he redefined what it meant to be a journalist in the digital age.
The Day the Industry Shook
It was 2014. The media industry in Kenya was already experiencing significant disruption. Digital platforms were eating into advertising revenue, and layoffs were becoming the norm.
Back then, we were on a modest retainer of Ksh. 10,000 (about USD 77) and any extra income from publishing our stories. This could hardly sustain a family, but the Nomad had figured out a way to survive and thrive.
He introduced me to:
- Writing grants for journalism.
- Freelancing for global news agencies.
- Pitching stories to science foundations.
That was my first glimpse into the power of new media.
A New Way of Thinking
While most saw a crumbling industry, the Nomad saw an opportunity. He believed that journalists did not need to wait for editors to approve their stories. He could start his platform and earn a decent income doing what he loved.
At first, it sounded impossible. Running a news site required reporters, editors, photographers, and a budget, but he took a different approach.
“I have been in decision-making roles in the media,” he told me. “And I know many good stories get dropped, not because they are not valuable, but because ads take priority. So, where do these stories end up? In the dustbin. That is when it hit me. I already know dozens of reporters facing the same problem. Why not make that my starting point? I would collect those untold stories and publish them on my platform.”
He had the networks, credibility, and strategy to launch a digital publication focused on science journalism.
Today, That Dream Is a Thriving Reality
Five years later, his platform produces:
- Award-winning science and health stories.
- High-quality multimedia content.
- Recognized among media owners.
- Whenever I meet him, I jokingly call him a media mogul. A media mogul is someone who has built or run a large media empire and influences what people watch, read, or listen to.
He now:
- Trains journalists across Africa and beyond.
- Speaks at international summits.
- Works with advocacy groups to amplify critical voices.
Wondering Where Digital Media Platforms Get Their Money? Here’s the Answer
- Writing Grants
He applies for journalism grants from organizations like the Pulitzer Center, Internews, Earth Journalism Network, and Open Society Foundations.
- Display Banner Ads
- Small blogs (10K–50K monthly visitors): $50–$250 per month
- Medium blogs (50K–500K visitors): $300–$2,000 monthly.
- Sponsored Blog Posts
- Low-tier blogs: $50–$150 per post.
- Mid-tier blogs: $150–$500 per post.
- Top-tier blogs: $500–$2,500 per post.
- Newsletter Sponsorships
Depending on list size and engagement, rates range from $50 to $2,000 per email.
- Social Media Promotion
Promotional posts cost $25 to $1,000, depending on the platform and audience size.
- Custom Ad Packages
Combination deals (e.g., blog post plus banner plus social promotion): $500 to $5,000.
- Backlink Sales
- Low authority blogs (DA 10 to 30): $10 to $50
- Mid-tier blogs (DA 30 to 60): $50 to $300.
- High authority blogs (DA 60 and above): $300 to $1,500.
- Sponsored or guest posts: $100 to $1,000 with do-follow links.
Other Pioneering Kenyan Journalists Transforming the Digital Media Landscape
1. Dr. Mercy Korir – Willow Health Media
A popular Kenyan journalist who has ventured into digital media. She is the founder and serves as the CEO and Editor-in-Chief of Willow Health Media, a pioneering digital health and science newsroom in Kenya. The platform aims to deliver multimedia health and science content through digital channels, focusing on improving health outcomes and literacy, particularly among Kenya’s underserved communities. The Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation supports Dr. Korir’s initiative.
2. John-Allan Namu – Africa Uncensored
A renowned investigative journalist, John-Allan Namu, co-founded Africa Uncensored in 2015 alongside Mohammed Ali and Kassim Mohammed. This platform is dedicated to in-depth investigative journalism, producing documentaries and features that tackle corruption, human rights abuses, and other critical issues in Kenya and Africa.
3. Asha Mwilu – Debunk Media
Award-winning journalist and documentary filmmaker Asha Mwilu launched Debunk Media in 2020 after her tenure at Citizen TV. The platform focuses on explanatory journalism, utilizing data and visuals to delve into complex topics such as politics, health, and social justice.
4. Lynn Ngugi – The Lynn Ngugi Show
Starting her career at Tuko News, Lynn Ngugi ventured into independent content creation with The Lynn Ngugi Show on YouTube. Her platform highlights inspiring personal stories and social issues, earning her recognition in the BBC’s 100 Women list in 2021.
5. James Murua – Writing Africa
Formerly a columnist for The Star newspaper, James Murua founded Writing Africa (originally JamesMurua.com) to cover the African literary scene. The platform offers news, reviews, and interviews, and has become a central hub for African literature enthusiasts.
6. Denis Nzioka – Denis Nzioka News Agency and Service
Denis Nzioka established the Denis Nzioka News Agency and Service in 2010, focusing on LGBTQI and sex workers’ rights in Kenya. The agency provides grassroots reporting and advocacy materials to transform public opinion and social attitudes.
7. Jennifer Kaberi – Mtoto News
Jennifer Kaberi founded Mtoto News, a digital platform that amplifies children’s voices and focuses on child-centered news. The outlet uses data and storytelling to highlight issues affecting children in Kenya and beyond.
8. Fridah Mlemwa – African Authograph
Fridah Mlemwa launched African Authograph, a digital platform dedicated to storytelling that captures African narratives and experiences, aiming to provide authentic African voices in media.
9. Margaret Chesoni – Neolight Productions
Specializing in visual content, Margaret Chesoni founded Neolight Productions, a company focused on editing and curating multimedia content, contributing to the digital storytelling space in Kenya.
10. Kevine Omollo – Lake Region Bulletin
Specializes in producing science stories. The Lake Region Bulletin, ranked third Best News Website in Kenya during the 2023 Annual Journalism Excellence Award (AJEA 2023), focuses on Environment, Health, and Agriculture content from the Lake Victoria region in Western Kenya.
Lessons for Modern Journalists
Here’s what we can all learn from the Nomad:
- Own your platform
Start that blog. Launch that podcast. Create your own publishing space. - Learn how to pitch
Grants, sponsorships, and freelance gigs are out there. Learn to apply. - Don’t hoard your knowledge
Help others grow. It builds goodwill and strengthens your brand. - Build income streams
Don’t depend on one source. Combine grants, ads, consulting, and freelance work. - Stay visible
Consistently show up on social media, newsletters, and collaborations.
The Future of Journalism Is Already Here
More journalists are losing traditional jobs, but many are finding a second chance in the digital space. People like the Nomad are proving that you can turn a layoff into a launchpad with creativity, resilience, and innovative digital strategies.
If you are a journalist feeling stuck, consider this your sign. You have a story, an audience to serve, and tools to reach them. You no longer have to wait for someone to hire you. You can start building your media house right from your living room.
We used to work for the media. Now, we are the media.
Final Thought
The media landscape is no longer reserved for legacy newsrooms or corporate giants. Today, it belongs to creators with vision, courage, and consistency. Whether you are a laid-off journalist, a passionate storyteller, or someone with a message that matters, this is your moment.
Start small. Learn as you go. And remember, you do not need permission to tell powerful stories.
Today’s journalist wears many hats. You are the storyteller, the strategist, and the spark that ignites movements.
You may also want to read: Navigating Opportunities in Health Journalism: My Story.
The writer is a Strategic Communications Expert at the Kenya Medical Training College and the founder of Hezron Insights, a blog offering exclusive tips on public relations, leadership, and workplace resilience, grounded in real-life case studies.