Iu Media School

In this episode, we sit down with (at the time of this recording) Media School doctoral candidates Jimmy Ochieng and Kevin Mudavadi to talk about media, politics, and democracy in Kenya. They break down how social media has completely changed political engagement, creating new opportunities for grassroots activism and accountability, while also opening the door to misinformation and digital manipulation. The conversation dives into why media literacy is one of the most powerful tools we have in today’s information landscape, and why helping people think critically online may be more effective than relying only on government regulation or platform controls. Beyond their research, Jimmy and Kevin also share their passion for global advocacy, peacebuilding, and mentoring students navigating international education. Special thanks to host Lydia Norton, producer Betsy Leija, and intern Alice Racek. Original music was created by Avi Forrest and Natalie Ingalls.