The Media Council Council of Kenya says election coverage comes with many risks for journalists hence the need to build their capacity to respond.
The Council’s Director for Media Training and Development Mr Victor Bwire told journalists in Baringo and Elgeyo Marakwet early this week that empowering media workers to deal with safety threats remains key in ensuring their safety as they undertake their duties.
“It is critical to build the capacity of journalists in risk analysis and response given the high risks during the electioneering period”, said Mr Bwire at the forum on safety preparedness during election and conflict sensitive reporting.
The forum also entailed sessions on access to information and self-help tips for journalist in dealing with trauma.
"The Council is aware of the increasing physical, mental and digital risks that journalists are facing during this period. It is important that both reporters ,show hosts and newsroom managers understand their various responsibilities in securing themselves and their work”, said Mr Bwire.
Counselling psychologist Lillian Amusolo shared self-help tips on how journalists can identify problems in their mental health and how to respond, in the interest of their overall wellbeing.
Baringo and Elgeyo Marakwet counties are prone to frequent conflict which exposes the journalists working in the region to both physical and mental risks.
Earlier, the Media Council of Kenya team of Manager for Press Freedom, Safety and Advocacy Ms Dinnah Ondari and Nakuru Regional Coordinator Mr Karanja Jackson met Baringo County Commissioner Abdirizak Jadesa for discussions on cooperation between security agencies and media in promoting professional coverage of elections through exchange of credible information and protection of journalists in the line of duty.
"Security agencies are a critical source of information for journalist. The Council has and continues to invest resources on capacity building, conflict - sensitive reporting and security dialogues to equip journalists with knowledge and skills to report responsibility on issues of national security and conflict”, said Ms Ondari.