The Media Council of Kenya (MCK) has underscored the critical role of court reporters in accurately reporting judicial matters and helping the public to understand court processes.
MCK Director for Media Training and Development Mr Victor Bwire said the Council intends to sensitise court reporters on court process, procedures and how to report effectively and accurately on matters before the tribunals and courts.
“The training on court reporting has come when we expect the courts to make a lot of determination on the leaders we have and dissemination of information on matters before the court and electoral tribunal will be important to public interest”, he said when the Council held a session on media coverage on election petitions and related disputes in Machakos County.
"Journalists need to familiarise themselves with the laws and terms used in court to help the public understand court processes and decisions”, he added.
Presiding Judge at Machakos High Court Hon Justice George Odunga said supreme courts judges, magistrates and judiciary officers have been undergoing an Election Dispute Resolution (EDR) training on handling judicial and adjudication processes to bolster credible elections.
“The Judiciary continues to enhance its judicial preparedness to foster a free and fair General Election. An effective electoral dispute resolution is key in preventing violence and ensuring the legitimacy of electoral results”, he said.
Mr Odunga said the Judiciary has been conducting regular engagements with key stakeholders in the electoral process, including the media, adding that the media is an integral stakeholder in the election process in educating and spotlighting transparency of the election process to the masses.
He added that the Judiciary remains committed to working closely with the media to advance the rule of law and collaborate in offering justice to Kenyans.
Media Complaints Commission Commissioner Mr Henry Maina urged court reporters to read decisions and obtain their stories from final decisions to maintain consistency.
“Reporters should rely on final decisions by the court and not rely on press releases from court officials. This will help avoid misrepresentation of facts which is unethical”, he said.
Mr Maina noted that being an election year, the media plays an integral role in providing a platform for access to information and creating awareness.
“Reporters need to internalise the Code of Conduct for the Practice of Journalism and maintain extra sensitivity when reporting on court matters”, he said.
Witness Protection Agency’s Chief Protection Officer Ms Emily Wanjohi also attended the meeting to give insights on witness protection programmes which ensure that threatened and intimidated witnesses are protected.