But that wasn't always the case, said Frederick Mugira, founder of Water Journalists Africa, the largest network of journalists on the continent reporting on water.
Made up of about 1,000 journalists across Africa, the network works collaboratively to investigate issues around water, wildlife, biodiversity and climate change. "We identify a theme of common and cross-border importance. For example, plastic pollution," he said."When we identify a theme, we search for credible data across the countries we're working on."
"When it comes to natural resources, they don't really release data, because they see it as sensitive," he added.For Nairobi journalist Sharon Atieno, 29, being a member of Water Journalists Africa opened her up to a wide range of new skills.