The Media Council of Kenya is keen on enhancing capacity of journalists in specialised areas. MCK Director for Media Development and Training Mr Victor Bwire says transformation of the media space calls for specialised training; to ensure professional reporting.
“We have engaged like-minded partners to train journalists on covering matters of national interest; to improve their capacity to authoritatively report”, Mr Bwire told Editors during a meeting to validate the childcare and protection curriculum that has been developed by the MCK and World Vision.
The curriculum will specifically address coverage of issues around children and will be to be rolled out to media training institutions.
“Through our Africa Media Academy, the Council is developing curricula for short courses on other areas such as climate change, elections, health and gender reporting. This is meant to address capacity gaps in mainstream training of media professionals in Kenya”, said Mr Bwire.
He said the validation exercise was meant to expose editors to the curriculum, given their centrality in news operations.
“We welcome your feedback on the document and look forward to your input on this subject. It is simply a broader look at Clause 18 on Protection of Children as contained in the Code of Conduct for the Practice of Journalism in Kenya”, said Mr Bwire.
Head of Secretariat, Joining Forces at World Vision Mr Elijah Bonyo said partnership with the media through capacity building will help create awareness on children’s rights.
He urged journalists to familiarise themselves with data around child protection as they write their stories.