Development Through Media (DTM) is a pioneer media-based, not-for-profit Civil Society Organisation (M-CSO) in Kenya, dedicated to harnessing the power of media and communication for inclusive and transformative development.

Since its founding in 1996 and commencing operations in 1997, DTM has been at the forefront of championing people-centred development communication in Kenya.

DTM’s existence is anchored in the belief that media needs to also serve public good. In alignment with this belief, DTM set to work in collaboration with actors within the overall development space across the country and beyond. Thus from its inception, DTM envisioned itself as a resource and catalyst for democratising information, amplifying citizens’ voices, and strengthening civic engagement in collaboration with other media and non-media actors within the CSO and the overall development spaces.

The organisation’s mandate is to use media and communication as powerful tools for advancing social justice, human rights, and inclusive development among others. DTM is especially committed to amplifying the voices of marginalised groups across the spectrum, including those in rural and disadvantaged urban areas. Our target groups include women, youth, and People with Disabilities where we aim to ensure their meaningful participation in governance, public policy, and civic life among others.

DTM plays a critical role in promoting civic education and media literacy to empower citizens with the knowledge and skills they need to actively engage in democratic processes. Through strategic communication, advocacy, and research, DTM facilitates dialogue within and between communities, government institutions, and other stakeholders, thereby enhancing transparency, accountability and public participation in development.

In essence, DTM was conceived both as a programme implementer and as a platform—essentially, an opportunity to leverage, harness, and nurture partnerships that foster closer working relationship between thematic-based CSOs, their media-based non-profit counterparts, independent institutions and other entities whose work support human progress and overall development