The Media Council of Kenya has underscored the place of access to information in promoting press freedom.
To this end, the Council in partnership with Katiba Institute (KI) recently conducted an Access to Information (ATI) training and sensitisation for journalists in Busia, Kakamega, Siaya, Bungoma and Vihiga Counties. The training held on 27th May to 30th May 2021 brought together 58 journalists working for local and mainstream media from Siaya and Kakamega counties.
The training was a response to an identified gap on understanding of concepts, processes and legal guidelines to achieving ATI in public interest. It aimed at enhancing skills and knowledge of journalists on the use of the ATI law for investigative journalism and promotion of good governance and human rights.
“Journalists are critical enablers of Access to Information by virtue of their day-to-day obligations and must have the skills and knowledge required to undertake such a critical role”, noted Dinnah Ondari, MCK Manager for Press Freedom, Safety and Advocacy.
Katiba Institute Executive Director Christine Nkonge noted that Access to Information is important in journalistic work and specifically in investigative journalism with regards to good governance reporting and in advocating for human rights issues.
Participants urged the Council and Katiba Institute to consider training and sensitising public entities on their obligation in relation to Access to Information. This, they said, would help in appreciating the importance of ATI and implement the service guidelines that will help journalists undertake their work expeditiously.