The Media Council of Kenya has teamed up with the Media Owners Association (MOA) and Kenya Editors’ Guild (KEG) to organise the 2022 Presidential and Deputy Presidential Debates that will take place in July 2022 ahead of the August General Election.
The three entities have agreed on a joint inclusive approach to the process and have appointed Mr Clifford Machoka, currently Head of External Affairs and Marketing at Nation Media Group, as head of the Presidential Debates Secretariat. He will be assisted by Media Council of Kenya’s Manager for Research Strategy and Planning Mr Leo Mutisya and Kenya Editors’ Guild CEO Ms Rosalia Omungo.
A team of senior editors from across media houses will provide stewardship of the content aspects given how critical the debates are to ensure the public interest obligations are served.
MCK CEO Mr David Omwoyo reiterated the crucial role the media plays in leading the way in facilitating Kenyans to evaluate the Presidential and Deputy Presidential candidates. He encouraged more collaborations from the industry to promote sustainability and to develop the industry.
“The industry collaborations should be at a high level so that we continue fostering sustainability, developing the industry and giving Kenyans reliable and public interest debate”, said Mr Omwoyo.
He underscored the importance of citizen participation in issues of governance, stating that free speech and free media have emerged as the epitome of our democracy.
“The MCK in the interest of the public will ensure that we provide the very best for the country by supporting the media as it remains a pillar and a leading light in democracy”, said Mr Omwoyo.
Media Owners Association (MOA) Chairman Mr Stephen Gitagama assured the public and stakeholders in the electoral process that they will give Kenyans quality issue-based Presidential and Deputy Presidential Debates that will enable their decision making and effective participation in this year’s election.
“It is our responsibility to ensure Kenyans make informed decisions by exercising the power to inform and empower the public”, said Mr Gitagama who is also the Chief Executive Officer of Nation Media Group.
Kenya Editors’ Guild President Mr Churchill Otieno called for collective action by media stakeholders, stating that this was an opportunity to reflect on the role of the media in shaping public opinion and facilitating conversations during an election year.
He challenged editors on the importance of working together and reflecting on the best ways they can carry out responsibilities and deliver their mandate to the public.