Rolling Stone Africa (RSA) and ON Kenya have launched Voices in Motion, a storytelling platform they say is designed to support emerging African creators and expand how the continent’s sports stories are documented and distributed. The initiative was launched in Nairobi on June 16, 2026, and will culminate in a Creative Summit scheduled for July 29 to August 2.

According to the organisers, the platform targets photographers, filmmakers, writers, videographers and digital creators, with a focus on building skills and providing access to mentorship and industry networks. The programme is positioned around sports storytelling, with the organisers citing a gap between Africa’s elite athletic performance and the depth of narrative coverage around athletes’ experiences.

In their statement, RSA and ON Kenya said African sporting achievements are frequently covered “through external lenses,” which they argue can limit attention to the cultural context, personal sacrifices and community stories behind athletic success. The organisers said Voices in Motion aims to invest in local storytellers as a way to influence how these narratives are captured and shared.

“Across Africa, we have extraordinary athletes whose achievements inspire millions, yet many of their journeys remain unseen,” said Navalayo Osembo of ON Kenya. “Through Voices in Motion, we are creating pathways for young creators to develop the skills, networks and opportunities needed to tell these stories authentically and powerfully. We believe that the future of sports storytelling in Africa should be shaped by Africans themselves.”

Gwen Madiba, Editor in Chief at Rolling Stone Africa, said the initiative is intended to strengthen the capacity of storytellers who work closest to the communities where sports talent is developed. “Every record broken, every sacrifice made and every triumph achieved deserves to be documented by storytellers who understand the communities and cultures from which these stories emerge,” she said. “Voices in Motion is about ensuring that Africa not only produces world-class athletes but also world-class storytellers capable of sharing these journeys with the world.”

The organisers said the Creative Summit will bring together athletes, journalists, storytellers, industry leaders and aspiring creators for training, collaboration and mentorship. They did not disclose the summit venue, programme partners beyond RSA and ON Kenya, or the budget for the initiative in the statement.

For Kenya’s creative economy, the initiative lands as brands and publishers increase spend on digital-first sports content and athlete-led narratives, particularly across video and social media formats. The stated focus on mentorship and practical training aligns with an industry shift toward multi-skilled creators who can shoot, edit and publish across platforms, as sports coverage becomes more creator-driven and audience-led.

If implemented at scale, the programme could also expand professional opportunities for Kenyan freelancers and small production teams that support sports federations, talent agencies and sponsors. However, the long-term impact will depend on selection criteria, the depth of mentorship, and whether participants receive paid commissions or pathways into sustained work after the summit.

RSA and ON Kenya said applications will open for aspiring creatives from across Kenya to participate in the Voices in Motion programme, with successful applicants expected to receive mentorship, industry exposure and access to the Creative Summit. The organisers have not announced application dates or cohort size.