Curriculum relevance in the digital era: Insights from Kenyan communication graduates on preparedness for the evolving media landscape

Résumé

This study investigates how media and communication curricula in Kenyan universities respond to the ever-changing digital media terrain. As the traditional communication practices are continuously being replaced by digital technologies, the question is, are universities preparing their students to be ready and relevant and ready to respond to these changes? The paper seeks to establish the relevance of the current communication curricula in various universities to see if they are equipping students with skills to navigate and survive in the ever-changing and dynamic media industry. With the Uses and Gratifications Theory, the research examines how communication students actively engage in digital media platforms while at school and whether their curriculum keeps pace with their professional expectations and the needs of the media sector. An exploratory qualitative multiple case study design was utilized. From the target population of communications graduates in 2023–2024, 20 interviews were conducted to establish if they felt well-prepared in the aspects of digital journalism, social media engagement, and multimedia content creation in the job market. Data were analyzed thematically as per Braun and Clarke’s framework. The research also identifies the gaps in training in regard to focus on new media tools, ethical concerns in digital journalism, and how digital storytelling competencies can be integrated for maximum returns. The findings indicate that even though there has been some effort to integrate digital media elements within the curriculum, substantial room for improvement exists in areas such as practical training, production of multimedia content, new media technologies, and digital ethics. Despite sufficient coverage of the theoretical background of these concepts, curricula appear to lag behind industry trends and innovations, leaving graduates ill-equipped for the realities of today's media landscape. It is concluded that it is necessary for curricula for communication in Kenyan universities to be periodically reviewed and restructured to keep up with the evolving digital media landscape. The research recommends more partnerships between universities and industries, more incorporation of practical digital media training, periodic curriculum review processes, and greater emphasis on multimedia journalism, social media, and digital ethics being included.