End of an era: KIMC set for rebirth as Kenya School of Communication

The Kenya Institute of Mass Communication (KIMC), the renowned training ground that produced a generation of East Africa’s top journalists, is set to be transformed into the Kenya School of Communication under new state-backed legislation aimed at modernising its mandate and expanding its academic reach.

The Kenya School of Communication Bill, 2025, published on Tuesday, provides for the repeal of the 2011 order that established KIMC and replaces it with a new corporate body with broader powers to offer advanced diplomas, professional media certification and research services.

Located in Nairobi’s South B suburb, KIMC has for decades been the incubator for the crème de la crème of Kenyan media, training many of the nation’s most prominent broadcasters, editors and communications specialists.

The bill ensures legal continuity, stating that “any reference to the former Institute in any contract or document shall, for all purposes, be deemed to be a reference to the School.” All pending legal matters, contracts, assets, and liabilities will automatically transfer to the new institution.

Under the transitional clauses, current council members and the director will retain their positions for the remainder of their terms, while all staff will continue under existing conditions. The institute’s pension scheme will also remain unchanged.

The new school will have the power to “sue and be sued,” acquire property, borrow funds, and establish subsidiaries or joint ventures. Its academic functions will expand to include post-graduate diplomas, specialised media training, research, consultancy and continuous professional development programmes.

“The School shall provide education, training, and professional development in communication, creative arts, and mass media,” the bill states, signaling a shift from a technical training institute to a multi-disciplinary communication academy.

A new Council appointed by the President and the Cabinet Secretary for Information will govern the school. The Director General will be required to hold a postgraduate degree and have at least ten years of experience in communication, finance, law, or education.