The Chairman of the Media Council of Kenya Mr Maina Muiruri has called on the government to safeguard the security of journalists during the electioneering period.
The media, he said, has a key role to play in the electoral process and their safety and security in the line of duty must be guaranteed by the State security machinery.
The Chairman was speaking in Kirinyaga town where he distributed MCK branded safety wear to local journalists for use during the coverage of elections.
Over 30 media personnel accredited by the MCK received denim jackets and caps branded with the ‘Press' logo and copies of the Code of Conduct for Practice of Journalism in Kenya.
Muiruri was joined in the meeting by Kirinyaga County Commissioner Mr Jim Njoka.
Mr Njoka said while the government has role to play in ensuring security of journalists, the media must on its part do its work responsibly in a balanced manner.
He told the journalists to report any incidents of harassment or intimidation for intervention.
The Kirinyaga event comes days after the Media Council of Kenya constituted an inter-media team to coordinate the safety and protection of media workers ahead of the 2022 General Election.
Under the patronage of the Media Council of Kenya, the team comprising editorial directors, editors-in-chief and heads of content, will collectively develop practical working modalities and protocols to ensure the protection of journalists and media workers in the field during the electioneering period. This initiative is a response to the sharp increase in threats to journalists and media workers during this period.