The Media Council of Kenya CEO Mr David Omwoyo has commended the international media for the role they play in highlighting local issues to global audiences.
Mr Omwoyo has also lauded their editors for their lack of local biasness, enabling them to report on such stories objectively.
“International media helps to highlight important perspectives that lack in the local media. Kenyans rely on to international media for facts on issues that local media would not highlight due to local biases”, said Mr Omwoyo during an engagement with foreign journalists on elections in Naivasha.
Mr Omwoyo noted the global view that foreign media houses give to countries especially during elections by comparing them to different electoral processes around the world.
“How you cover or frame these elections will inform the rest of the world’s perception of Kenya’s state of democracy and electoral practice. This requires a deep understanding of the various aspects of elections including Kenya's political culture, media literacy and national values that define our democracy”, he said
He underscored the importance of understanding the legal and regulatory framework on elections, saying this will cushion foreign journalists from making blunders in their reporting.
“Understanding the legal and regulatory framework on elections in Kenya also protects you from avoidable blunders on issues of security. It also enables you to undertake effective risk analysis, interaction with news sources, accessing the right information and other challenges that may crop up”, noted Mr Omwoyo.
He affirmed the Council's commitment to facilitate the work of media and individual journalists through creating a conducive working environment during this electioneering period and beyond.
MCK Director for Media Training and Development Mr Victor Bwire reminded the journalists on their responsibility when reporting on election issues. He said, “As Kenyan journalists working for international media houses, you have a dual responsibility when reporting on issues relating to elections”.
He further stressed on the need of framing and verification of information to ensure accuracy in their reporting.
"When reporting on elections, you should frame your stories in a manner that ensures free, fair and credible elections. Remember to always subject the data you receive to further analysis to ensure credibility and accuracy", noted Mr Bwire.
He asked the journalists to be open to criticism and urged them to be weary of the legal implications arising due to reporting.
"Media criticism is part of professionalism. Take criticism positively and make the necessary corrections to improve on your reporting skills. Be sensitive in your language as it can lead to legal implications “, said Victor Bwire
He encouraged the journalists to embrace experience sharing and asked them to take advantage of the opportunities presented by the Council.
The training aims to equip journalists working for international media houses in Kenya with proper regulatory and legal framework required during election coverage.
The training focused on Guidelines for Elections Coverage in Kenya, Electoral Laws, Safety and Security during Elections, Misinformation and Fact-checking and Accreditation of Journalists.