DNK International The Department of Creative Arts and Media yesterday hosted an Industry-Based Symposium themed “Nurturing Multimedia Skills for the Digital Era: Opportunities and Challenges,” bringing together leading media practitioners, academics, alumni, and students to explore the rapidly evolving media landscape and the competencies required to succeed in the digital age.
The symposium attracted industry experts from the Media Council of Kenya, the Kenya Editors Guild, as well as media professionals, lecturers, alumni, and students, creating a platform for meaningful engagement between academia and industry.
Speaking during the event, the Department Chairperson, Dr. Mary Kidenda, underscored the importance of producing graduates who are adaptable, ethical, and technologically competent to meet the demands of today’s dynamic media environment.
She noted that the digital transformation of the media industry requires professionals who can effectively navigate emerging technologies while maintaining high standards of journalism and communication ethics.
Media Council of Kenya Chairman Mr. Maina Muiruri challenged students to embrace innovation and position themselves strategically within the growing digital economy. He encouraged aspiring media practitioners to take advantage of opportunities in digital content creation, media entrepreneurship, and technological innovation.
“The media industry is evolving rapidly, and young professionals must be ready to harness emerging technologies and create value through innovation and creativity,” he said.
Throughout the symposium, participants engaged in insightful presentations and panel discussions led by experienced media professionals who shared practical perspectives on industry trends, opportunities, and challenges.
Students were encouraged to continuously enhance their skills in key areas shaping the future of communication and media, including multimedia storytelling, podcasting, mobile journalism, data journalism, strategic communication, film production, and digital publishing.
The forum reaffirmed the department’s commitment to bridging the gap between classroom learning and industry practice by creating opportunities for students to interact with professionals and gain firsthand insights into the evolving demands of the media sector.
The symposium concluded with a call for stronger collaboration between universities and industry stakeholders to ensure graduates are equipped with relevant skills, knowledge, and competencies needed to thrive in the digital era.
