East African Newspapers, Magazines, and Films

Hilary Ng’weno became Kenya’s most accomplished journalist—and an important figure in postcolonial East African history. His standards of investigative journalism and critical analysis, along with his commitment to holding those in power accountable, garnered international respect. His groundbreaking publications helped shape the development of an independent Kenya.

More than 100,000 newly digitized pages and dozens of films from Ng’weno’s media company are now available for research and teaching in journalism, history, political science, Africana studies, education, and media studies. Much of the content in this collection has never before been seen outside Africa.

A unique collaboration

The archive was collected by the Ng’weno family and donated to Moi University, Kipkenyo, Kenya. Digitization is done in situ by Digital Divide Data, a Nairobi-based nonprofit with a focus on socially responsible “impact sourcing” practices, training people who otherwise have limited prospects. Materials are organized, further indexed, and delivered on Coherent’s Africa Commons platform.

The database is made freely available across Africa and to HBCUs (Historically Black Colleges and Universities), assisted through the support of purchasing universities. Coherent Digital sets aside twenty percent of revenues to ensure long-term sustainability of the archive.

Our thanks go to the Ng’weno family and the many individuals and organizations that have made this project possible.

Content highlights

The Weekly Review (1975–1999). “The Weekly Review” set high standards for investigative journalism, advocating press freedom and democratic values in Kenya. Ng’weno and his team were trailblazers, reporting critically on democracy, human rights, economic policies, and social justice.

The Nairobi Times (1977–1983). A Sunday newspaper that became a daily, “The Nairobi Times” covered national and international news, politics, business, sports, entertainment, lifestyle, and more.

The Kenyan Heritage Series. Fifty short videos—starting in 1963, as Kenya attained its independence, and ending with the country’s fiftieth anniversary in 2013—describe the people and events that shaped Kenya’s postindependence political landscape.

“… the only African-owned and African-managed independent newspapers and magazines south of the Sahara.  Ng’weno's political analysis is so astute that some diplomats base their reports…almost exclusively on…The Weekly Review”  – Los Angeles Times June 13, 1980