The Media Council of Kenya (MCK) has urged journalists to uphold objectivity and integrate public participation to enhance professionalism.
MCK’s Kisumu Regional Coordinator Mr Evans Teddy Oundo told a town hall session in Vihiga County that the conduct of the media in Vihiga County has been commendable but still needs improvement.
“There is need for the media in Vihiga to position the County through diverse media framing and agenda setting’’, he said.
He further mentioned that elections cannot be deemed democratic, free, fair, and inclusive, unless the public fully participates in the process.
“Media is vital in ensuring that there is a public platform for interrogating candidates. This however must be an objective process”, said Mr Oundo.
Hatua Trust Program Officer Ms Sheila Maloba extolled reporters from Vihiga County for telling good stories and affirmed to support the media in enhancing good reportage.
Sauti ya Matumaini reporter Mr Paul Muchesi said the media fraternity is willing to undertake duties with impartiality and utmost objectivity, adding that the media seeks to interrogate political agendas and proposed plans to ensure the public is informed.
“We call upon candidates and parties to exercise their right to provide the electorate with information regarding their attributes, political agendas, and proposed plans. We shall interrogate them on behalf of our audiences as a matter of public interest”, said Mr Muchesi.