The inaugural Impact Ink Youth Storytelling Summit took place at USIU-Africa in Nairobi.
Speakers at Nairobi’s inaugural Impact Ink summit urged young storytellers to embrace AI, build audience trust and shape Africa’s global image.
Young African content creators have been urged to shape the continent’s digital narrative rather than leave others to tell its stories. Speakers made the call at the inaugural Impact Ink Youth Storytelling Summit in Nairobi on October 31.
The gathering at United States International University-Africa (USIU-Africa) brought together young communicators, public relations practitioners and digital creators. Discussions covered artificial intelligence, content monetisation and ownership of Africa’s stories.
AI tools for African content creators
Janet Kemboi, Google’s Head of Communications and Public Affairs for Africa, encouraged participants to embrace AI. She argued that communicators should see the technology as an opportunity rather than a career threat.
Kemboi returned to her alma mater 18 years after her studies for the summit. She also led a masterclass showing how Google’s Gemini could support research, structure narratives and engage audiences.
In her remarks, Kemboi said Africans needed to use these tools actively to shape their narratives globally. She also argued that communicators and creators who master AI would lead the industry.
Meanwhile, speakers stressed that access to digital platforms and publishing tools needed to go alongside storytelling skills. Those skills, they said, would help young people turn their access into meaningful contributions to public conversations.
Building trust while working with brands
A panel explored how creators could preserve their identity while collaborating with brands. Speakers emphasised staying faithful to an original vision while also building trust with audiences.
Panellists included Cleaning The Airwaves founder Richard ‘Astar’ Njau and SBM Bank Kenya marketing communications general manager Mwende Mulandi. Content creator Chienjo Omondi and influencer marketer Gigi Wandera also joined the discussion.
Rotaract Club of Ngong Road president Austine Itebete said skills gaps among young communications entrants prompted the summit. He said Impact Ink aimed to address those gaps directly.
The Rotaract clubs of Ngong Road, Nairobi Central and USIU-Africa organised the event. Organisers also announced plans to make it an annual gathering, with the next edition planned for 2027.
