The Media Council of Kenya (MCK) has urged journalists to prioritise their safety during this electioneering period.
MCK Director for Media Training and Development Mr Victor Bwire who spoke to journalists today in Siaya underscored the importance of journalists’ safety and security in enhancing mental wellness.
Mr Bwire said journalists’ safety is a societal concern that affects how journalists report stories, adding that it has a huge impact on accuracy, credibility and objectivity of a story.
He urged journalists to avoid expressing their political preferences publicly, especially during this election period. He said cautioned them on the impact of social media on their safety and security as they may be exposed to cyber-attacks and cyber bullying.
“We have so far registered 23 cases of journalists’ harassment and assault. I urge journalists to be on a high alert”, said Mr Bwire said during a training on responsible election reporting for journalists drawn from Siaya, Busia, Vihiga and Kakamega County.
He said the recently launched intermedia safety charter will go a long way in protecting journalists, but said journalists also need to take their own security seriously.
Other trainers at the session included veteran editor Mr Owino Opondo, Standard Group Deputy Digital Editor Ms Queenter Mbori and Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) official Mr George Jabando.
The ongoing election reporting training, which targets 350 journalists in the first phase, also took place in Kilifi, Embu and Uasin Gishu counties. Another round of training is also being planned for Nyeri, Kisii, Garissa, Narok and Makueni counties.
Training areas include safety and security of journalists, conflict-sensitive reporting, fake news and probable emergencies and response options during elections.
The topics are critical in ensuring objective and conflict-sensitive reporting before, during and after the August 9 General Elections.
The Media Council of Kenya (MCK) has urged journalists to prioritise their safety during this electioneering period.
MCK Director for Media Training and Development Mr Victor Bwire who spoke to journalists today in Siaya underscored the importance of journalists’ safety and security in enhancing mental wellness.
Mr Bwire said journalists’ safety is a societal concern that affects how journalists report stories, adding that it has a huge impact on accuracy, credibility and objectivity of a story.
He urged journalists to avoid expressing their political preferences publicly, especially during this election period. He said cautioned them on the impact of social media on their safety and security as they may be exposed to cyber-attacks and cyber bullying.
“We have so far registered 23 cases of journalists’ harassment and assault. I urge journalists to be on a high alert”, said Mr Bwire said during a training on responsible election reporting for journalists drawn from Siaya, Busia, Vihiga and Kakamega County.
He said the recently launched intermedia safety charter will go a long way in protecting journalists, but said journalists also need to take their own security seriously.
Other trainers at the session included veteran editor Mr Owino Opondo, Standard Group Deputy Digital Editor Ms Queenter Mbori and Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) official Mr George Jabando.
The ongoing election reporting training, which targets 350 journalists in the first phase, also took place in Kilifi, Embu and Uasin Gishu counties. Another round of training is also being planned for Nyeri, Kisii, Garissa, Narok and Makueni counties.
Training areas include safety and security of journalists, conflict-sensitive reporting, fake news and probable emergencies and response options during elections.
The topics are critical in ensuring objective and conflict-sensitive reporting before, during and after the August 9 General Elections.