The Media Council of Kenya ( MCK) has called for implementation of strategies to leverage technological advances in a bid to promote innovation and digital transformation in Kenya.
MCK CEO David Omwoyo says the media needs to have access to timely and accurate information to help in countering disinformation at the counties.
“The role of media is to provide accurate and timely information regarding the work of counties in driving the devolution agenda. Media can help in comparing performance of different counties across different sectors”, said Mr Omwoyo during a a panel session at the 10th Devolution Conference to examine the benefits of adopting technology and digitalisation and the potential impact on economic development and discuss strategies for promoting innovation and digital transformation in the devolved context.
Mr Omwoyo further noted that by promoting media and information and digital literacy, the media played a key role in enlightening citizens on responsible media consumption.
“The media plays a critical role in promoting media literacy. As a Council, we shall therefore continue holding media and information and digital literacy forums to enlighten citizens on responsible media consumption including access and verification of information”, he said.
He called upon both counties and media to promote local content as a key driver of economic development.
“We urge the media and county governments to work together to produce and promote local content in order to reach consumers, majority of whom are at the grassroots ’’, said Mr Omwoyo.
He further urged the media to continue promoting success stories within the devolved entities to curb misinformation while taking advantage of existing media platforms.
“The media should promote devolution of information while guarding against misinformation through robust fact-checking while taking advantage of existing media platforms to ensure seamless flow of information”, urged Mr Omwoyo
The CEO appreciated the role that the Council of Governors had undertaken towards promoting knowledge management and information sharing within devolved entities by signing a pact with the Council.
The Council has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the Council of Governors to promote knowledge management and information sharing from and within the devolved units. This pact seeks to address information gaps and enhance access to information to enable the media report accurately on devolution matters.
This year's conference was of special significance as it drew participants from all 47 counties of Kenya to reflect on the 10-year journey of devolution, local government empowerment, and resource decentralisation.
Among speakers at the session under the broader theme: Digital Economy and Integration of Technology in the Devolved Sectors for Economic Development included Information, Communication and the Digital Economy Cabinet Secretary Eliud Owalo and Communications Authority of Kenya Director General Ezra Chiloba.