The Media Council of Kenya (MCK) has called on the Lamu County Government to collaborate with journalists to bolster transparency and accountability, and to fortify democracy.
MCK Mombasa Regional Coordinator Maureen Mudi who met Lamu Governor Issa Timamy emphasised the importance of partnerships to amplify the voices of the community.
“A partnership between the Lamu County Government and journalists is essential for promoting transparency and strengthening democracy”, stated Ms Mudi.
Ms. Mudi underpinned the vital role journalists play in improving access to information concerning public affairs.
“The Council plays a crucial role in enabling journalists to access information, as a result promoting democratic discourse and ensuring accountability of public officials”, she said.
Governor Timamy urged journalists to prioritise accurate and factual reporting to combat misinformation.
“I am cognisant of the Access to Information Act of 2016 and as a holder of public office, we are open to anyone seeking clarifications’’, said the Governor.
He noted that Lamu County being a tourist destination must remain vigilant to the harmful impacts of misinformation.
“The spread of false information in Lamu County could prompt countries to issue travel advisories to their citizens, resulting in a decline in tourism income”, he noted.
MCK Senior Officer for Research and Planning and Strategy Jacob Nyukuri commended the rapport between the county government officials and journalists.
He reiterated that the collaboration has resulted in effective reporting of county issues and dissemination of crucial information to the public.
“The Council intends to foster a conducive working environment for journalists through collaborations with institutions that are crucial to their work”, he said.