As we prepare for the Broadcasters Convention – East Africa 2025, we proudly spotlight Dr. Jane W. Thuo, a distinguished academic and advocate whose work has significantly influenced media, communication, and gender development in the region.
Dr. Thuo is a Professor at the University of Nairobi, specialising in Development Communication, Media, and Gender. She has served as the Chairperson of the Association of Media Women in Kenya (AMWIK) and is strongly committed to women’s rights, gender equity, and digital safety in media. Additionally, she is the Vice Chairperson of the Action Africa Help-Kenya board and advises Nigeria’s Africa Foundation for Young Media Professionals.
With a diverse background, Dr. Thuo has judged the Annual Media Excellence Awards and developed communication strategies across various sectors. She was key in creating Kenya’s National Action Plan on UN Resolution 1325 and contributed to the establishment of institutional standards for civil society organisations.
A strong believer in continuous learning and global dialogue, she holds a Ph.D. from the University of Nairobi, an MA from Daystar University, and a B.Ed. from Moi University. She is also an alumna of the Annenberg Oxford Summer Institute and the African Women Leaders Institute (AWLI).
When asked about her decision to join the Convention, Dr Thuo explained:
“To remain relevant in this fast-changing, technologically driven world requires that I keep abreast with developments on the digital front – especially in the media industry. This Convention presents a valuable opportunity to exchange information on current trends and innovations transforming broadcasting in our region.”
Dr Thuo is a strong proponent of embracing digital innovation with contextual relevance. She highlights four key areas broadcasters in Africa must focus on:
- Adopt AI and digital technologies to keep pace with global trends.
- Invest in local research and innovation to develop continent-relevant solutions.
- Upskill media professionals and invest in infrastructure to meet evolving digital demands.
- Prioritise content protection and monetisation to support media sustainability.
She highlights pressing challenges facing the industry, including government and self-censorship that hinder editorial freedom, the democratisation of content that affects traditional media revenues, fierce competition and technological disruption from AI, and declining advertising revenues that impact media sustainability.
A commitment to learning and shared progress is at the heart of her engagement. She hopes participants will walk away with the following:
- Practical strategies on content protection and monetisation.
- Valuable lessons from industry peers around the Convention’s concept’s key themes.
- A deeper understanding of the role of audience research in shaping impactful content.
Her insights and leadership promise to enrich the conversations and shape the future of broadcasting in East Africa.
Visit our website here to learn more about the Broadcasters Convention—East Africa 2025.
