Over the years, Kenyans have benefited from the prestigious Chevening Scholarship Programme—an initiative that has opened doors for further studies in fields such as business, engineering, environmental sustainability, and communications.
The Chevening Scholarship is the UK government’s international awards programme, funded by the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) and partner organizations. It offers fully funded scholarships to outstanding emerging leaders from over 160 countries and territories, enabling them to pursue a one-year master’s degree at any UK university.
Launched in 1983, Chevening has grown into a globally recognized and highly competitive programme. It has produced a network of professionals who have gone on to shape public policy, lead organizations, and make a difference in their communities.
This article highlights a number of notable Kenyan journalists who have been awarded the Chevening Scholarship and who have continued to make significant contributions to the media landscape, both locally and internationally.
Journalists Who Have Benefitted from the Chevening Program
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Alex Chamwada
Alex Chamwada is a prominent Kenyan media personality with extensive experience in international television production and reporting.
He is the Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Chams Media, a communication consultancy firm specializing in the production of documentaries, features, infomercials, and commercials, as well as media buying, media liaison, and media training.
The company’s flagship TV series, “Daring Abroad,” features Kenyans living abroad and their socio-economic impact back home. The series airs on NTV Kenya every Saturday at 7:30 PM, with a repeat on Sunday at 1:30 PM.
Chamwada has worked for notable media houses in Kenya, including Royal Media Services and the Standard Media Group.
He was awarded the Chevening Scholarship in 2004-2005 to pursue a master’s in politics and mass media at the University of Liverpool.
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Joe Ageyo
Joe Ageyo is another prominent journalist who benefited from the Chevening Scholarship.
He participated in the programme between 2008 and 2009, studying for a master’s in environmental governance at the University of Manchester.
With over 20 years of experience in the media industry, Ageyo has excelled as a reporter, anchor, host, editor, and media manager.
He is currently the Editor-in-Chief at Nation Media Group (NMG), a leading media house in Africa, where he leads journalists and editors in developing audience-centered content across print, digital, and electronic platforms.
- James Smart
James Smart is a seasoned and celebrated media personality who has worked with several media houses around the globe.
He was awarded a Chevening Scholarship in 2015, which allowed him to pursue a Master’s degree in International Journalism and Electoral Behaviour at Cardiff University in Wales, UK.
Currently, he serves as the Managing Editor at Nation Media Group, overseeing Broadcast and New Media.
Recently, he started a popular news nightly program #Newssources that introduce new talk show format in the news business.
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Smart conceptualized and established “#TheTrend,” a television program that engages young people in news and current events.
He has also worked as a news anchor at KTN, part of the Standard Group. James has additionally served as a producer with BBC Media.
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Ian Wafula
Ian Wafula is an international freelance journalist based in Nairobi. He is also an alumnus of the Chevening Scholarship.
He pursued a Master of Arts in International Journalism and Communication and Media Studies at Cardiff University from September 2021 to September 2022, with a special focus on documentary making.
Until February 2024, Wafula served as the Africa Security Correspondent for the BBC. In 2022, he played a key role in transitioning the program “Focus on Africa” to Nairobi, which highlights major stories across Africa and airs on the World Service as the BBC’s flagship news and current affairs program on the continent.
In Kenya he has worked with notable media houses including Media Max (K24) and Standard Group PLC (KTN).
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Timothy Otieno
Timothy Otieno is a multimedia reporter with a niche in telling human interest stories. He focuses on impactful journalism, particularly highlighting the experiences of minorities and disadvantaged groups.
He is also an award-winning journalist, named Journalist of the Year at the Annual Journalism Excellence Awards (AJEA) in 2021.
As a Chevening Scholar, he earned a Master’s degree in International Journalism from Brunel University London after studying from 2021 to 2022.
Before his Chevening Scholarship, Otieno worked as a current affairs and features TV reporter with KTN News.
He also hosted a weekly TV magazine show called “Area Code.” This 30-minute documentary program explored the histories of various estates in East Africa, focusing particularly on their growth, development, and unique characteristics.
- Harry Misiko
Harry Misiko serves as the Managing Editor for Content Strategy at the Nation Media Group (NMG). He is responsible for executing the Integrated Newsroom content blueprint across NMG’s digital and print outlets, which include Nation Africa, Daily Nation, Business Daily, NTV Kenya (online), The EastAfrican, and Taifa Leo.
As a Chevening Scholar, Misiko obtained a Master’s degree in Interactive Journalism from 2015 to 2016 at City University London.
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With over 15 years of experience in digital journalism across Kenya, the United States, and the United Kingdom, he leads mid-to-large cross-functional teams and drives the execution of content and audience strategies.
Misiko has worked with prominent international media organizations, including The Washington Post and Daily Mirror.
In 2014, he served as an Alfred Friendly Fellow at The Washington Post, where he contributed as a copy editor and reported on both international and Kenyan affairs. He has also written articles for the Daily Mirror in the United Kingdom.
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