The Media Council of Kenya (MCK) has emphasised the role of access to information in enhancing information integrity.
MCK CEO Mr David Omwoyo has called on Public Information Officers (PCOs) to reflect on the crucial role they play in the dissemination of information among the public.
“As PCOs, your role is equated to a revolving door between the media and the public. You are therefore required facilitate with the flow of information to the public”, said Mr Omwoyo during a sensitisation session on Access To Information (ATI) for County Public Communication Officers under a partnership between the Media Council of Kenya, Aga Khan University and Katiba Institute.
Mr Omwoyo pointed out the provisions of access to information under the law and advised the PCOs to analyse the nature information requests before providing the information. Additionally, he noted the challenges faced by the officers in the ATI process.
“We take note of the challenging situations that you work in which can pose a threat to ATI. The circumstances have resulted to complex relationships between you and journalists”, he said.
He stressed the need for prior preparation of information noting that it would aid in diffusing tension and asked the officers to collaborate with journalists.
“There is need for a set of skills required in the management of information in the counties. Reflect on your role as trainer to ensure that county officers are media ready by preparing information packs”, he emphasised.
Dean of the Graduate School of Media and Communications at Aga Khan University Prof Nancy Booker noted the significance of ATI at the counties among the public.
“Access to Information aids in fostering accountability, integrity and democracy among people”, she said.
She called for solution-based journalism in empowering people to make decisions and come up with solutions. She added that efficient flow of information helps in eliminating fake news.
“When people are denied information, they use speculation to fill in the gaps of what they lack. Credible and factual information should be treated as a basic need”, she stated.
She implored the officers to create avenues of sharing information with journalists through creation of partnerships and networks.
“Explore and implement practical strategies that can be used to share information with journalists”, she noted.
Head of Communication at Katiba Institute Mr Kevin Mabonga termed the PCO training as a key capacity enhancement strategy in championing constitutionalism.
“Our engagement here furthers our commitment to foster constitutionalism by demanding good governance, protecting human rights and fundamental freedoms”, he remarked.
He reiterated that ATI is a right guaranteed under the constitution calling for responsiveness of the same.
“We should strive towards creating an environment of free flow of information to the public to build trust between the government and their citizens”, he said.
He urged the participants to advocate for ATI to ensure efficiency in the delivery of services while promoting accountability.