REF FM IS HIRING: NEWS HUNTER (MOBILE JOURNALISTS)
REF FM is looking for motivated refugee journalists to create daily, hyperlocal news from Kakuma and Kalobeyei.
All news is created by refugees, for refugees and host communities, directly from the field, from the streets, markets, schools and homes where life happens.
This role is about being on the ground, finding stories early, and sharing what matters today.
WHO WE ARE
REF FM Foundation is a non-profit media organisation providing local, credible news for forcibly displaced communities, created by the community itself.
With over five years of experience running REF FM community radio stations, REF FM is now expanding into digital, mobile-first, content-driven media.
REF FM KK is part of FilmAid Kenya, and one of the first locations where this new approach is being tested.
WHAT MAKES REF FM DIFFERENT
We focus on news that is close, practical and real:
News created by refugees, in familiar language and style
Short, clear and relevant to everyday life
Positive where possible, honest where needed
Rooted in local culture, humour and identity
Published continuously throughout the day
Designed to inform, connect and empower communities
This is hyperlocal journalism: what people are talking about right now in Kakuma and Kalobeyei.
WHAT KIND OF STORIES YOU WILL MAKE
You will report from inside the camps, focusing on real life and real people.
- Daily life in the camps
From births, reunions and relationships to food, transport, safety and survival.
- Problems and solutions
Not only what goes wrong, but how people find smart and creative ways to deal with challenges.
- Culture, music and sport
Local artists, football, comedy, fashion, youth culture and everyday creativity.
- People to know
Entrepreneurs, role models, youth leaders, women leading change and local public figures.
- Community news
Events, school stories, youth activities and topics people are talking about today.
YOUR ROLE: NEWS HUNTER / MOBILE JOURNALIST
You are in the field every day, actively looking for news.
You will:
Find untold or fast-moving local stories
Write short, clear news items
Record audio and video stories
Take photos and short videos
Interview people from the community
You will work closely with:
The REF FM Multimedia producer
The REF FM News Editor (Editor-in-Chief)
Professional mentors who provide daily guidance
Your content will be published via:
WhatsApp channels and groups
TikTok / Instagram Reels / YouTube Shorts / Facebook
News blog / website
REF FM KK community radio
YOU ARE
An experienced and devoted news hunter
Extremely curious and not afraid to approach people
Fast, accurate and responsible with information
Comfortable working with a smartphone (writing, filming, photography)
Active on social media and understand what people like and share
A team player who cares deeply about the community
Willing to learn and improve every day
WHAT YOU GET
A monthly salary
Equipment (smartphone, laptop and accessories)
Internet access and transport support
Training and mentorship by professional journalists
A strong team with clear editorial leadership
Respect, visibility and trust within your community
HOW TO APPLY
We invite you to send us:
1. A short video pitch (max 30 seconds) where you:
Introduce yourself
Explain why you want to report news in Kakuma
Tell us what kind of stories you want to make
Explain why REF FM should hire you
2. Your CV
We know internet access and devices can be challenging. A simple phone video is perfectly fine.
Deadline: 20 February