The Media Council of Kenya (MCK) has underscored the importance of basic safety knowledge for journalists while undertaking their work.
MCK Mombasa Regional Coordinator Maureen Mudi told journalists that the nature of their work makes them easy targets of attacks.
“There have been increasing cases of attacks against media workers as they investigate and document human rights violations. The sources of these threats are diverse, it is therefore important for journalists to take personal safety and protection seriously”, said Ms Mudi during a training organised by the Kenya Red Cross Society (KRCS) and Kenya Correspondents Association (KCA).
Ms Mudi told the journalists to always conduct a risk analysis and scenario mapping for events they intend to cover.
“No story is worth your life. It is crucial to always have a rational and systematic analytical mindset when going out for assignments. Your physical, psychosocial, and digital safety should be your number one concern before you embark on any assignment”, said Ms Mudi.
She challenged journalists to familiarise themselves with safety and security policies in their organisations and urged media owners and managers to look into facilitating their employees with adequate security gear when covering riots, demonstrations and other volatile scenarios.
First Aid Training officer at KRCS Abdalla Athmani took the journalists through basic first aid and urged them to be cautious in the various scenarios they may find themselves in.
“Dealing with someone in shock, one who has fainted, an epileptic, a child or someone with a concussion are different cases that need different approaches in handling them. Most crucial is to have a knowledgeable team lead who can guide the rest”, said Mr Athmani.
He cautioned rescuers and first aiders against increasing the number of casualties through their actions.
KCA Coast Region Chair Omar Shungu applauded the role played by MCK and KRCS in empowering journalists on safety. He said that the training is significant in the day-to-day work of journalists as it keeps them safe and in some cases alert.