Mettā, in partnership with Luminate, a global philanthropic organisation, is launching the Baraza Media Lab in Nairobi, Kenya. In recognition of the need for Kenyan media independence and sustainability, Luminate will invest m in a new space that aims to boost the capacity of journalists and publishers to report in the public interest. The ambitious project will provide a physical space for independent media to connect and work together, whilst ensuring press freedoms and safety for Kenyan journalists.
Mettā was chosen as a partner due to their established reputation and track record of building a members’ club for the Kenyan and regional entrepreneurial community to connect, share knowledge and bring ideas to life. Mettā will, therefore, oversee operations of the Baraza Media Lab which is targeted to open by the end of the year. The dedicated venue, which will act as a base for the thriving media community, will be announced in the coming weeks. The location will focus on building a community space for various stakeholders in the media industry to improve trust, transparency and investigative journalism across East Africa.
Lawrence Morgan, CEO of Nest commented on the partnership, “’Nest is passionate about empowering mission-driven startups and technologies to transform the world, and this partnership with Luminate will enable us to reach more people and support the vital goal of increasing press freedom and an independent media.”
Baraza Media Lab will act as the meeting point of media support from talent, content, funding and a place the media space can call home
Maurice Otieno, Former GM of Mettā Nairobi
The community will help to build trust among Kenyan Civil Society Organisations (CSOs), journalists and the broader ecosystem and will provide training and capacity development for both aspiring and experienced journalists.
Maurice Otieno, GM of Mettā Nairobi comments on the partnership: “Metta has built solid communities and will be transferring the same experience in building a more vibrant and engaged media community. It will act as the meeting point of media support from talent, content, funding and a place the media space can call home.”
Ory Okolloh, Managing Director at Luminate, said: “We believe that supporting a vibrant media eco-system in Kenya is critical on a number of fronts. From providing an enabling environment for independent media to thrive, to supporting collaboration and providing the space for innovation to happen within the media industry, the Baraza Media Lab will be an important anchor for journalists and entrepreneurs alike. We look forward to working with the community and other partners as we build something transformative.”