The Media Council of Kenya on the 30th of October 2020 held a sensitisation forum in Kwale County, the forum brought together 25 journalists who have been reporting on the forthcoming by-election. Journalists from the neighboring Mombasa County also attended the forum. During the session journalists and media practitioners trained on the following areas; Election Reporting guidelines, Hate speech, Debunking misinformation, and the Code of Conduct for the practice of journalism
The CEO Mr. David Omwoyo in his address noted that there is a need for journalists to understand that an election is a contest and that they should endeavour to balance their reporting. He urged journalists to question and verify every information before sharing. "Your actions as a journalist on the ground affect many other parts of the larger society and the community you live in" noted Mr. Omwoyo.
He further cautioned journalists against mercenary journalism and maintaining professionalism. In conclusion, he noted that the media plays an integral role in the election process and must ensure that voters have enough information about the candidates and their manifesto. “Voters must have enough information in the election process to make informed and responsible choices in the ballot booth,” said the CEO in conclusion.
The Chairman Mr. Maina Muiruri on his part challenged journalists to not only report on the political parties and their candidates but also turn the focus on key voter issues. “Issues that affect people the most deserve a call to attention in the media,” he said, adding that covering an election is much more than reporting on the candidates. He further told the journalists attending the forum that the Council will be holding sensitization forums for journalists in all the 47 counties as the country debates on the recently unveiled Building Bridges Initiative (BBI) report.
The sensitisation meeting was also attended by a section of MCK board members including Gwaro Ogaro, Dr. Mbugua Njoroge, and Tabitha Mutemi. The Board members urged journalists attending the forum to maintain professionalism in their work especially in reporting the by-election because they hold a tremendous responsibility to the public.
Director, Media Training and Development Mr. Victor Bwire while making his presentation on Election Coverage noted that the media should maintain accurate, fair, balanced, and impartial coverage of elections and that the candidates vying for public offices should be given equal opportunities to be heard. “you have a responsibility to the public to always share factual and verifiable news” urged Mr. Bwire
On Security and protection of journalists, Mr. Bwire encouraged journalists to ensure that as they report and cover elections they take charge of their security. He demonstrated to participants the do's and dont’s during a riot or scuffles and staying safe. “Your Security is very important and there is no story that is worth your life” he concluded.
While presenting on misinformation and Fact-Checking, Mr. Jacob Nyongesa took participants through the tools to use to fact check stories, photos, and videos online, he urged journalists to always verify information before sharing. Fact-checking helps organisations and individuals in combating misinformation.
Journalists should state facts rather than fanning the flames. “You should refer to experts and trusted sources when in doubt and use the “truth sandwich”, in which you state the truth, and then the misinformation and finally restate the truth again” added Mr. Nyongesa. Social media platforms should be more willing to remove or restrict unreliable content.
The Msambweni By-Election in Kwale County will be on the 15th December 2020, the seat fell vacant following the death of Suleiman Dori in March 2020.