NAIROBI, Kenya, Nov 2 – Young people in East Africa have been urged to move beyond consuming digital content and create stories that shape public understanding.

The call was made at the inaugural Impact Ink 2026 Youth Storytelling Summit held on Saturday at the United States International University-Africa (USIU-Africa) in Nairobi.

The event, hosted by the Rotaract Clubs of Ngong Road, Nairobi Central and USIU-Africa, brought together emerging communicators, public relations practitioners and digital creators to discuss artificial intelligence, content monetisation and ownership of narratives.

Google’s Head of Communications and Public Affairs for Africa, Janet Kemboi, delivered the keynote address and led a masterclass on using Google Gemini for research, story development and audience engagement.

“AI is here to stay, and Africans must actively embrace these tools if we are to move forward and shape our own narratives on the global stage,” Kemboi said.

“AI will not replace your job, but the communicators and creators who master it will inevitably lead the industry,” she added.

An industry panel featuring Cleaning The Airwaves founder Richard “Astar” Njau, SBM Bank Kenya General Manager of Marketing Communications Mwende Mulandi, Chienjo Create founder Chienjo Omondi and influencer marketer Gigi Wandera discussed how creators can maintain their identity, work with brands and build audience trust.

Rotaract Club of Ngong Road President Austine Itebete said the summit was created to address skills gaps among young people entering the communications industry.

“Impact Ink was created to directly address the growing skills gap among young people entering the communications landscape. As a platform built by young people for young people, it gives us what we need to succeed in an ever-evolving space and tell our own stories,” Itebete said.

Impact Ink is expected to become an annual summit, with the next edition scheduled for 2027.