The Media Council of Kenya remains committed to working with county governments to enhance professional reporting at the county level.
MCK Regional Coordinator Mr Jackson Karanja said that the Council is willing to work with county governments and journalists in the counties to ensure a smooth and timely information flow to the public.
“We carry a vital role in ensuring the public remains informed on plans and projects in the counties therefore creating an informed and empowered society”, said Mr Karanja at a meeting with the Meru County Government Communications Department.
He urged the county’s communications department to work closely with media houses to ensure timely and professional reporting of devolution stories while making reference to the MOU signed between MCK and the Council of Governors.
“A cordial working relationship between the media and the offices of leadership is vital as it helps in not only keeping the masses informed but also in keeping a track record of developments in the devolved units”, he said.
“This is among the key areas of collaboration espoused in the pact between our organisation and the Council of Governors that seeks to promote and at the same time elevate reportage of devolution stories”added Mr Karanja
Meru County Director of Communications Mr Hillary Sandy pledged his commitment to work with accredited journalists in the county to foster reportage of devolution stories.
“My office is committed to work with accredited journalists in Meru to relay county government information on development plans and projects”, said Mr Sandy.
MCK Manager Research, Planning and Strategy Mr Leo Mutisya reinforced om the importance of developing a county specific communication strategy that allows all media outlets in the county to gain access to information when reporting on particular issues.
“Having a clear communications strategy will help ensure that communication relayed from county governments gets to the public on time and ease the disharmony between the media and the county government”, said Mr Mutisya.