Media Council of Kenya (MCK) has advised Human Rights Defenders practicing citizen journalism to exercise prudence and professionalism while collecting information.
MCK Mombasa Regional Coordinator Ms Maureen Mudi informed local activists during the training with InformAction that citizen journalism has become increasingly relevant with the rise of digital technology and social media platforms.
“These platforms allow the sharing of news, opinions and observations with the local and global audience. At MCK, we acknowledge the use of smart phones for journalists as proper gadgets for content collection”, said Ms Mudi at the InformAction training.
Ms Mudi mentioned that adherence to the Code of Conduct is crucial for journalists to exhibit professionalism, and therefore, human rights defenders must also ensure that they conduct themselves professionally.
“Before obtaining any information, your safety and respect for people’s privacy should be paramount. Maintaining objectivity and fairness to your subjects is a practice that you should exercise to keep yourselves out of problems”, said Ms Mudi.
She also acknowledged the need for data protection saying that any Kenyan citizen needs to know the basics of data protection to ensure they do not breach the law.
“As human rights activists, it is important to understand citizen journalism and follow the rules that govern your line of work. Make sure you fact-check information before posting. Journalists and activists are both human rights defenders who should work together to give accurate information for public consumption”, she added.
InformAction Field Coordinator, Coast region Ms Uba Suleiman implored the activists to exercise vigilance during their fieldwork and promote citizen journalism through social media.
She noted the key role the activists play in collecting information that they use for their reports as evidence as well as advocacy and for lobbying as human rights defenders.
“We requested MCK to sensitise us on citizen journalism more so, on how activists can be vigilant while maintaining professionalism when dealing with situations at the grassroots level using phones or other gadgets to gather information that will be useful and serve as evidence”, said Ms Uba.