The Media Council of Kenya held a Media and Information Literacy Forum in Nyandarua County as part of the Council’s initiatives to support and empower journalists.
Among the topics covered during the training included digital literacies, media literacies, conflict sensitive reporting, access to information and media ethics.
The Media Council of Kenya Director for Media Training and Development, Mr Victor Bwire called upon journalists to be patient when working on news stories. He advised journalists to observe caution when reporting on matters of conflict, stating that due diligence is important to ensure accuracy of information.
“When reporting on sensitive matters, journalists need to be factual, maintain objectivity and rely on credible sources”, stated Mr Bwire.
At the meeting, journalists were urged to make use of credible and reliable sources when harvesting for stories and news items. They were further encouraged to be factual while reporting on stories and maintain objectivity.
“You must always verify information you receive before publishing. Adherence to the Code of Conduct for the Practice of Journalism guards against impartiality in your reporting”, said Dinnah Ondari, Manager Press Freedom, Safety and Advocacy.
Journalists were advised to always maintain the integrity of information coming out of digital media, with emphasis that the media should focus on the ordinary man’s circumstances.
The importance of digitalisation of the media was strongly accentuated in the forum. It was also noted that the increasing reliance of new media, products and services has brought about emerging issues and challenges in the media. As a result, journalists were compelled to be wary of fake news.
"Do not quote sources you are not sure about because not everything you come across is factual", said Leo Mutisya, Manager for Research Planning and Strategy.
He also took the journalists through sample breaches to the Code of Conduct for the Practice of Journalism in Kenya; to enlighten them on professional reporting.
Mr Mutisya advised the journalists to embrace digital security; to enhance their safety and protection while undertaking their duties.
Nyandarua County Commissioner Mr Benson Leparmorijo commended the cordial working relationship with media and called upon journalists to uphold professionalism and embrace patriotism while reporting.