The Media Council of Kenya (MCK) is committed to working with players in the blue economy to enhance access to information and accurate reporting on the subject.
MCK Mombasa Regional Coordinator Maureen Mudi said collaborative efforts are key in sustaining meaningful dialogues and conversations on the blue economy.
“Proactive disclosure of the information is important in enhancing transparency in organisations. Stakeholders need to update themselves on what makes news in the media industry so that they can work seamlessly with journalists in providing relevant, timely and expandable information,” said Ms Mudi during a stakeholder’s sensitisation forum on Access to Information in Kwale county.
Ms Mudi urged journalists to familiarise themselves with the procedures of seeking information and challenged the officials to avail information when requested by the media.
She mentioned that the Council, through her office, will endeavor to work closely with all stakeholders to ensure support for grassroots media to enhance sustainable blue economy reporting.
She noted that the move is aimed at advocating for media literacy and access to information as a way of promoting media freedom and independence.
Kwale County's Director of Environment, Natural Resources and Climate Change Dr. Joseph Indo, emphasised on the need for media to create awareness on blue economy matters.
He noted that journalists can help in shaping public discourse on the blue economy and spotlight ways on which communities are using to build resilience to climate change.
“Use your voice to speak the truth to power, like your world dependents on it”, said Dr Indo.
Dr. Indo further pledged to work with other media stakeholders and prioritise access to information to minimise conflict between journalists, county officials and relevant blue economy stakeholders.
“We appreciate MCK’s role in the region as a key player in the media industry in the Coast region. I call upon the regulator to continue supporting the county’s efforts to reach out to journalists”, she said.
Base Titanium Senior Administration Officer-External Affairs-Ms Patricia Mwikali, acknowledged the role played by the media as an enabler of economic growth emphasising the need for more collaborations among stakeholders.
“As we mark the International Day for Universal Access to Information, it’s good to realise that our journey, much like tides in the ocean, is shaped by cooperation, partnership and relentless pursuit of balance because together we can catalyse positive change by nurturing a vibrant media ecosystem that serves as a beacon of information, accountability for prosperous and sustainable future”, she said.