1.0 Introduction

About RNW Media – RNW Media is an international media development organisation based in Haarlem, the Netherlands, dedicated to harness the power of independent digital media to uphold human rights and advance the public good. Working in more than 40 countries across Europe, North Africa, the Middle East, West and East Africa, East Asia, Central and South America, we defend media and internet freedom, the right of every human being to access to information and freedom of expression.

With over 75 years of experience, RNW Media has evolved from an international radio broadcaster into a champion of independent digital media. Our work with our partners has demonstrated how a diverse, resilient, and trustworthy digital media ecosystem can inform people, shift narratives, influence social norms, and drive policy change, reinforcing the essential role of independent media in open and democratic societies.

About RHRN2 – This research activity is being undertaken as part of the Right Here Right Now 2 (RHRN2) program, which aims to empower young people to realise their sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR) within gender-just societies. As part of this effort, RNW Media has collaborated with (digital) media-makers (journalists, content creators, influencers, podcasters, etc.) to support the creation and dissemination of SRHR content and advocacy through online platforms. Given the increasingly challenging nature of the digital landscape, it has become increasingly important to explore the lived experiences of these media-makers and the specific stressors they face. This research seeks to generate a holistic understanding of mental health and wellbeing experiences of (digital) media-makers in Kenya.

2.0 Research Project Background

Digital media has revolutionised the way we create, share, and consume information, blurring the lines between real and “reel” life. Although this has brought forth many positives, including democratisation of views, increased connection, and dazzling creativity, it also has also brought various challenges. Constant exposure to, and presence in online spaces, particularly for (digital) media-makers, has subjected them to several negative triggers, impacting their mental health and wellbeing and acting as a barrier to living up to their full potential as a media-maker.

These negative triggers manifest in various different forms for media-makers, ranging from targeted and individual-focused online violence (cyberstalking, hate speech, doxing, impersonation, etc.) to more systemic challenges that plague online media ecosystem, such as constant pressure to produce content to remain relevant online, trends overload, challenges with monetisation and funding, maintaining healthy boundaries with screen time and real life and dealing with a relentless stream of distressing news, which these media-makers must often monitor or report on, day in and day out.

This, therefore, warrants, gaining a deeper understanding of the negative online triggers, and their impact in influencing and shaping mental wellbeing outcomes for (digital) media-makers in the short- and long-term. This could offer insights in equipping these media-makers with knowledge, skills, and pathways to build and strengthen both individual and collective resilience to ensure that, they can deal with the negative triggers in an intentional and mindful manner to facilitate self-preservation, positive mental wellbeing, and a resilient approach to navigating online (media) spaces.

3.0 Research Questions

1. What are the existing mental health and wellbeing experiences of (digital) media-makers in Kenya?
2. How do prevailing societal narratives on mental health (including stigma and disinformation) in Kenya influence/shape these experiences among (digital) media-makers?
3. What are the forms of direct and indirect support needed to advance the mental wellbeing of (digital) media-makers in Kenya?

4.0 Research Methodology

• Desk Research / Literature Review: Review of existing literature on mental health experiences among (digital) media-makers in Kenya + societal narratives on mental health in the Kenyan context (including stigma and disinformation that is prevalent around mental health), including in online spaces.
• Key Informant Interviews with media-makers (8-10): In-depth interviews with diverse media-makers (journalists, editors, content creators, online influencers, etc.) about their mental health experiences societal narratives that shape/influence these experiences + understand forms of support required
  within and outside of the media industry/ecosystem
• Key Informant Interviews with mental health professionals (3-5): In-depth interviews with mental health professionals to understand mental health challenges peculiar and specific to (digital) media-makers, how societal narratives shape these experiences, and gaps and solutions that are required to address their wellbeing.

Research methodology	Timeline	Lead
Desk Research / Literature Review	1 – 15 Aug	Research consultant
Key Informant Interviews with (digital) media-makers (8-10)	1 Aug – 15 Sept	Research consultant
Key informant interviews with mental health professionals (3-5)	1 Aug-15 Sept	Research consultant
Data Analysis (Key informant interviews)	15-23 Sept	Research consultant
Initial Findings Sharing with key media-makers	Week of 23rd Sept (in Kenya)	Research consultant + RNW Media
Final data analysis	30th Sept	Research consultant
Draft report	First week of October	Research consultant
Review and feedback on the draft	15th Oct	Research consultant
Submission final report	25th Oct	Research consultant
Dissemination of the findings	November	RNWM and Mind Ventures + stakeholders in Kenya

5.0 Outputs

1. Research report: Findings from desk review and two sets of key informant interviews (as outlined above) + recommendations for next steps
2. Thought leadership piece: In collaboration with Mind Ventures and Kenyan stakeholders – publish a media output in mainstream media in Kenya (and beyond)
3. Webinar: Dissemination of findings from the report with diverse stakeholders in Kenya, including media industry, mental health professionals and policymakers
4. Positioning and visibility materials, e.g. Infographics: Visualizing findings and insights from the research and share above developed products with relevant stakeholders via online social media engagement

Outputs expected of the consultant:

• List of participants to be interviewed for both sets of key informant interviews + consent forms
• All raw data files from key informant interviews are shared with RNW Media (audio)
• First draft research report (includes desk research and findings from key informant interviews
• Final research report post review and validation
• In-person sharing of initial findings/trends in Kenya (week of Sept 23rd)

6.0 Application Details

Qualifications Requirements

1. At least 5 years of research experience in the field of digital media, mental health, narratives, and
   related topics
2. Fluency in English and Swahili
3. Strong track record in conducting qualitative research (interviews and analysis)
4. Effective and efficient communication and writing skills
5. Effective time management and flexibility to work on short timelines

Application deadline: Aug 7th, 2025.

Interested consultant(s) should develop and submit a bidding technical proposal to Sam Moseti, (Partnership
Manager) RNW Media, via email at Sam.Moseti@rnw.org.

For further information or queries, please contact the same address.