Journalists have been urged to leverage technology for better access to information and to enhance the quality of their reporting.
Speaking during a training and sensitisation forum organised by the Commission for Administrative Justice (CAJ), the Media Council of Kenya (MCK) Meru Regional Coordinator Jackson Karanja urged participants to take advantage of technology to access information.
“Kenya has progressed in matters of access to information. Gone are the days when information was only accessible through mainstream media. The internet and social media have made information readily available”, said Mr Karanja.
He underscored the crucial role the media plays in society and asked participants to take advantage of the media to access information.
“The public should take advantage of the media to access information because the media is a powerful tool. The Council will ensure that high standards of professionalism are maintained in the media industry”, Mr Karanja affirmed.
CAJ Chairperson Honourable Kajuju reminded participants that access to justice and access to information are their constitutional rights, saying her office is committed to ensuring their rights are not violated.
“Journalists have a right to access justice and access information to enhance their reportage. We are determined to take our services closer to the people and that is why we will be opening our regional office in Meru”, said Hon Kajuju.
She added that CAJ will be working closely with the Council to create awareness across on matters on access to information.
“We will be working hand in hand with MCK because we know the media plays a significant role in disseminating information”, she added.
The forum brought together community leaders, non-state actors, and stakeholders from the security sector to learn about their constitutional rights to justice and access to information.