The winner of Thomson Foundation’s Young Journalist of the Year 2025, Tracy Bonareri Onchoke, and runner up Wangu Kanuri enjoyed a three-day trip to London which included hands-on training and an opportunity to network with experts from media, tech and academia to discuss the future of news.
It was a first-time trip to the UK for both Kenyan journalists who were unable to attend the award ceremony in London in November because of delays in the visa process.
Thomson Foundation champions the growth and development of young journalists and provides training in practical skills. Tracy and Wangu were treated to a masterclass in mobile journalism (MOJO) led by Cassius Rayner, one of Thomson’s training experts. “It was really interesting to learn just how much I can do with only my phone,” says Tracy. “The session equipped me with skills that I know I will use throughout my career.” Wangu also intends to put her newly learned skills to good use. “These skills...will help me capture stronger, more intimate visuals,” she says.
The session equipped me with skills that I know I will use throughout my career.
The future of news
The pair were also able to attend Newsrewired, a biannual journalism conference in London to hear how the industry is evolving in the digital and AI age. “The sessions were practical, engaging, and relatable for journalists globally,” says Tracy.
Their busy schedule allowed time for some sightseeing. “The highlight was Camden Market,” says Wangu. “I loved the energy, the diversity, the creativity ...and just how alive the place felt.”
Tracy, who was named Thomson Foundation Young Journalist of the Year at the Foreign Press Association Media Awards, believes the honour has given her the ‘confidence to explore more stories’. “Getting to travel for an award I am incredibly proud to have received, whilst also learning more about work I genuinely love, made the experience even more special,” she says.
Young Journalist Award
The Thomson Foundation Young Journalist Award is an annual competition organised in partnership with the UK’s Foreign Press Association (FPA). It is open to journalists aged 30 and under, from countries with a Gross National Income (GNI) per capita of less than USD 20,000. The 2026 competition will open this summer.
