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Investigative Journalism

Broadcast Journalism · Level 6  ·  6 Chapters

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What Investigative Journalism covers

In this unit, you will be able to uncover important stories that matter to the public by skillfully identifying and researching investigative issues. You will learn how to gather and verify information ethically and accurately, using effective interviewing and research techniques within your organization’s guidelines. By the end, you will confidently craft compelling, clear investigative reports that reveal the truth and make a real impact in your community.

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Careers after Investigative Journalism

Investigative journalism is a powerful skill that opens doors to uncovering the truth and holding institutions accountable in Kenya. Whether you dream of working in a newsroom, a media house, or as an independent journalist, mastering these investigative skills will place you at the forefront of impactful storytelling that can shape society.

  • Media Houses & Newsrooms: Major Kenyan media outlets like Nation Media Group, Standard Group, and Radio Africa rely heavily on investigative journalists to produce in-depth stories on corruption, governance, and social justice. Skilled investigative journalists here earn competitive salaries and can build strong reputations.
  • Specialized Investigative Units: Organizations such as the Kenya Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC), Transparency International Kenya, and county government watchdog units employ investigative reporters to dig deep into cases of misuse of public funds and service delivery issues.
  • Self-Employment & Freelance Journalism: Many Kenyan journalists leverage investigative skills to work independently, selling stories to multiple media outlets or publishing on digital platforms like blogs and YouTube channels. This path offers flexibility and the potential to earn through sponsorships, grants, and paid investigations.
  • Sector-Specific Investigations: Investigative journalism is crucial in sectors like agribusiness (e.g., KTDA), energy (KenGen), transport (matatu industry), and construction, where uncovering malpractice, safety issues, or inefficiencies can lead to reforms and safer communities.
  • Community and Jua Kali Reporting: Investigative skills help expose challenges and successes within informal sectors, empowering local communities and influencing county policies for better support and regulation.

Mastering investigative journalism equips you not only with a career but with a mission—to be a catalyst for transparency, justice, and positive change in Kenya’s vibrant society. Your work can inspire reforms, protect the vulnerable, and build a better future for all.

Chapters

1
Determine investigative topic
5 topics
Open chapter →
2
Determine investigative news sources
4 topics
Open chapter →
3
Apply investigative techniques
2 topics
Open chapter →
4
Carry out investigative journalism
5 topics
Open chapter →
5
Prepare in-depth copy
8 topics
Open chapter →
6
Prepare promotional content
3 topics
Open chapter →
What Investigative Journalism covers: 27 main topics in 6 chapters

1. Determine investigative topic

  1. 1.1 Public interest on the issue is established based on topic
  2. 1.2 Channels of digging out information are determined based on organizational structures
  3. 1.3 Sources of investigative story are selected based on the topic
  4. 1.4 Investigative topic is selected based on organizational guidelines
  5. 1.5 Qualities of investigative journalist

2. Determine investigative news sources

  1. 2.1 Types of investigative sources
  2. 2.2 Primary investigative news sources
  3. 2.3 Secondary investigative news sources
  4. 2.4 Information extraction process

3. Apply investigative techniques

  1. 3.1 Investigative interviewing techniques
  2. 3.2 Investigative subterfuge techniques

4. Carry out investigative journalism

  1. 4.1 Nature of sources of investigative reporting
  2. 4.2 Types of sources of investigative resources
  3. 4.3 Interviewing skills for investigative reporting
  4. 4.4 Methods of protection of sources
  5. 4.5 Investigative story

5. Prepare in-depth copy

  1. 5.1 Meaning of in-depth reporting
  2. 5.2 Importance of in-depth reporting
  3. 5.3 Characteristics of in-depth reporting
  4. 5.4 Process of in-depth reporting
  5. 5.5 Challenges of in-depth reporting
  6. 5.6 Effects of in-depth reporting
  7. 5.7 Paper trail in depth reporting
  8. 5.8 Type of investigative lead

6. Prepare promotional content

  1. 6.1 Channels of promotion
  2. 6.2 Promotional videos
  3. 6.3 Blurbs and teasers

Revise this unit

Exam-style questions 84 Written to CDACC standard, with answers Test yourself 119 Multiple-choice, one at a time Practise questions 89 Quick recall — check you know the facts
3 more for this unit
Oral exam preparation 31 What the assessor asks, and how to answer out loud Worked calculations 7 Step-by-step maths with the common mistakes Quick cards 575 Myth busters, skill tips and scenarios

Beyond the syllabus

Decision simulator 3 On site, what would you do? Workplace scenarios 61 Real site situations — what would you do? Turn this into income 24 Where this skill earns — what to charge, how to find clients

Other units in Module V