The critical role of the media in disseminating scientific evidence, reporting policies and findings on science research has been emphasised by the Media Council of Kenya as key in boosting matters of public interest such as health.
MCK Mombasa Regional Coordinator Ms Maureen Mudi told a meeting with Kenya Medical Research Institute (Kemri-Wellcome Trust) that the Council is keen on enhancing accurate reporting of complex subjects by partnering with players in those fields and coming up with simplified scientific breakthroughs using facts and data.
"Apart from training journalists, we encourage them to specialise in such areas and create a niche for themselves. Through such initiatives journalists get recognised for their exemplary work at the Annual Journalism Excellence Awards (AJEA)”, she said.
She mentioned the importance of development of a curriculum on science and research as an area that can be explored and having Kemri-Wellcome Trust sponsor journalists to cover stories of public interest and include them in their activities.
Kemri-Wellcome Trust Deputy Head Dr Edwin Baraza and Research Scientist Dr Sam Aketch said scientists can make an impact and create policy change through partnering with the media and ensuring accurate dissemination of information.
"Getting beyond the sentimental value of a story and going for hard data is a sure way of ensuring ethical science reporting”, said Dr Baraza.
Head of Communication at Kemri-Wellcome Trust Ms Cynthia Mauncho said that the institution is keen on partnering with MCK in training journalists on reporting science and research.
" We are looking for partners to roll out the training in different modules as we engage on continuous collaborations”, she said.
Voice of America Swahili Service Reporter Mr Collins Adede applauded Kemri-Wellcome Trust for the efforts in amplifying voices in science.