The Department of Journalism and Mass Communication (DOJMC) formerly School of Journalism and Mass Communication (SOJMC) is the only UNESCO potential Centre of Excellence in Kenya and among the top twelve (12) training institutions in Africa on communication and media. Started in 1970 as a project of UNESCO with support from Denmark, Norway and Austria, the School has been more instrumental in shaping the capacity of the professionals in the communication and media industry than other institutions in the African region.
From its humble beginnings focusing on professional training, the department has grown and expanded its academic base by launching two Bachelors programmes; a Masters programme and a PhD programme. There is a high demand for our programmes based on their inter-disciplinarity and the blend of intellectual rigour and professional practical induction. Critical thinking, creativity and innovation also undergird the programmes and our graduates leave with a holistic grounding along with the four specialisations of Print Journalism; Broadcast Journalism; Public Relations and Development Communication.
The department is currently re-thinking its structure, programmes and collaborations with a view to re-positioning itself in the ever-changing world. Our firm tradition of leadership prevails (please view a sample of our alumni ) but will be strengthened through the recently established Centre for Communication and Media Training and Practice (in liaison with the Media Council of Kenya; Ministry of Information and Communication and the Kenya Institute of Mass Communication). It is intended that the synergy between the academy and industry at the Centre through continuous education and research shall be mutually enriching and that this synergy shall transform the landscape of the sector in an enduring fashion.
The department has a population of 1,600 students who are currently enrolled in the following programmes:
Bachelor of Arts (Journalism and Communication Studies):
This course has specialisations in with Print Journalism; Broadcast Journalism; Public Relations; and Development Communication). It is grounded in the multidisciplinary approach and provides students with a sound theoretical foundation, blended with practical skills in communication and development.
Master of Arts (Communication Studies):
The programme is intended to prepare students for careers in the communication sector, and based on a broad interdisciplinary perspective in communication science, communication research, and communication and development.
Doctor of Philosophy (Communication and Information Studies)
This programme orients candidates to the informed and critical application of knowledge to problems and issues concerning communication and information studies disciplines and professions.
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Biography
Prof. Silas Odongo ORIASO is Associate Professor and Chairman, Department of Journalism and Mass Communication. He teaches and researches in the Department of Journalism & Mass Communication (Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences) and Department of Earth & Climate Sciences (Faculty of Science and Innovation). Prof. Oriaso is also Senior Researcher and consultant in Communications, Development and Environmental Information at the University of Nairobi. He holds a Postdoctoral Certificate in Climate Change Information, PhD in Communication & Information, Master of Environmental Information Systems, Master of Arts in Communication Studies and Bachelor of Education in Linguistics and Literature.