On Women’s Day, I was invited to speak to young girls about their future—specifically, how they can overcome challenges that might hinder them from exploring their potential and achieving their dreams. I was so happy about the conversation we had with the girls. Notice I said conversation and not just the talk I gave.

I loved that I allowed the girls to share their thoughts on different matters and that, together, we came up with an action plan to “accelerate action.”

This wonderful session made me reflect on the critical role of participatory communication. However, one thing that kept bugging me was whether AI will replace it now that technology continues to evolve.

Well, here are my two cents

Participatory communication means different things for different people and contexts. For me, When I think about it ,  I  am thinking  raw engagement—the kind that happens when people come together, talk, debate, and persuade each other in real-time.

It’s the eye contact, body language, and those little shifts in tone that tell you more than words ever could. It’s the heated debates in village meetings, the passionate speeches at community gatherings, the back-and-forth that makes you feel heard and seen.

And then, there’s AI.

AI is efficient, fast, and scarily smart. It can generate messages in seconds, analyze data with pinpoint accuracy, and even predict how people will respond to a campaign. Cool right? Mind you, it never gets tired, never has an off day, and doesn’t need coffee breaks. But let’s be honest—AI doesn’t feel. It doesn’t persuade the way a real person does. It doesn’t shake hands, read a room, or adjust its tone to match the emotions in the air. I agree AI can mimic communication, but can it truly participate?

The Case for AI in Participatory Communication

Wait, before we paint AI as the monster in the room, let’s give it a seat at the table. I will be the first to admit that AI has some serious perks when it comes to participatory communication. I mean it can help me analyze massive amounts of data and tell me what people care about, It can translate languages instantly, making communication more inclusive. For example, when conducting advocacy here in Nandi, I often interact with diverse communities, some speak Swahili, kalenjin, luhya etc. In such cases AI powered translation tools helps me bridge the gap instantly and ensures that my message reaches everyone clearly.

As a communication specialist, I always want to stay on top of trends. Instead of spending weeks figuring out what people are talking about, I call  Kelvin, a colleague who is the CTO of Brand Moran: an AI-powered digital media monitoring & social listening tool.

Within minutes he shares data on what is trending, what people are searching, the questions people are asking, and even suggest how to frame my message for the best impact. That’s powerful, right?

But Here’s the Catch…

Relying too much on AI can make communication robotic. It strips away the very thing that makes participatory communication participatory—the human connection. If we let AI take over, we risk losing the trust that comes from real interactions.

Let me put it this way: Would a struggling teenage girl in rural Nandi be more moved by a heartfelt conversation with someone who truly understands her challenges, or by a perfectly crafted AI-generated message that sounds… well, just a little too polished? When I advocate for girls’ education and empowerment, real stories, real voices, and real emotions make the difference. AI may get the facts right, but it won’t mentor my girls the way I do.

Finding the Balance: AI as a Tool, Not a Replacement

So, what’s the solution? We don’t need to choose between AI and participatory communication. We need to find a balance. AI should be a tool, not a replacement. It should help us listen better, analyze trends faster, and communicate smarter—but it should never replace human engagement.

Here is how I do it

• When I advocate for girls and women in Nandi. I use AI to gather insights; like what people are saying about education, teenage pregnancy or economic empowerment, but I don’t let it drive the conversation. It is up to me to persuade my audience and build trust in my community.
• When running #komeshauzaziutotoni; an advocacy campaign against teenage pregnancies; AI helps me schedule posts for my social media campaigns but it cannot replace sitting down my girls, listening to their stories and guiding them through solutions. I strongly believe no chat pot can replace the power of face to face mentorship sessions.Bottom of Form

Final Thoughts: Keep It Real

AI is changing the way we communicate, but it doesn’t have to erase what makes participatory communication so powerful. The conversation is not AI versus participatory communication—it’s AI working with participatory communication. Technology should amplify human connection, not replace it.

So, next time you’re tempted to let AI do all the work, remember this: A chatbot can answer questions, but it can’t shake hands or relate to that teenage girl. An algorithm can predict trends, but it can’t inspire movements. AI can assist, but humans persuade. Let’s keep it that way.

Let me know what you think below

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