NAIROBI, Kenya- Award-winning Kenyan journalist Elijah Mwangi has been named a 2026 CNN Academy Fellow, joining a select group of journalists from around the world recognised for completing the highly competitive Storytelling in the Age of AI programme.
The fellowship certifies Mwangi as a CNN Academy Storyteller, placing him among media professionals trained to integrate artificial intelligence into journalism while maintaining the principles of ethical, accurate and credible reporting.
Speaking after the announcement, Mwangi described the recognition as both a personal milestone and a reflection of the changing nature of journalism.
“This fellowship is a reminder that journalism must continue evolving without losing its soul,” Mwangi said.
“The future belongs to storytellers who combine technology, creativity and credibility. CNN Academy challenged me to rethink how stories are told, verified and shared,” he added.
The CNN Academy programme equips journalists with practical skills to responsibly incorporate artificial intelligence into reporting, examining how emerging technologies can enhance newsgathering, storytelling and audience engagement while safeguarding editorial standards.
Mwangi’s selection places him among a small number of Kenyan journalists to receive international recognition through CNN’s journalism development initiatives, highlighting Kenya’s growing influence in global media.
Award-winning career
Beyond his reporting work, Mwangi serves as Team Lead at Anchor Bay Productions, where he oversees documentary production and strategic communications for local and international organisations.
Throughout his career, he has contributed to acclaimed television productions, including The Chamwada Report and Daring Abroad, earning recognition for producing impactful human-interest and development stories.
His latest international achievement builds on an already distinguished career.
In 2024, Mwangi won the Annual Journalism Excellence Awards (AJEA) in the Blue Economy and Business Reporting (Television) category, recognising his contribution to specialised reporting in Kenya.
AI reshaping global journalism
Mwangi’s fellowship comes as newsrooms worldwide increasingly adopt artificial intelligence to support research, fact-checking, content production and audience distribution.
While AI presents new opportunities to improve efficiency and storytelling, media organisations continue to emphasise the importance of human editorial oversight, verification and adherence to ethical standards to safeguard public trust.
CNN Academy’s programme reflects this evolving landscape by training journalists to use AI responsibly while preserving the core principles of accuracy, accountability and public-interest journalism.
Mwangi’s appointment as a 2026 CNN Academy Fellow not only marks a significant personal achievement but also underscores the growing global recognition of Kenyan journalists and their contribution to innovation in modern journalism.