The Media Council of Kenya (MCK) has underscored the need to sensitise journalists on cyber crime and computer use.
MCK Nakuru Regional Coordinator Joseph Mecha told a public participation forum that trainings are essential to enable journalists to report accurately and responsibly in this digital age.
“By providing journalists with comprehensive training programmes, they will be empowered to report accurately and responsibly on cyber crime and related issues, recognise potential threats and adopt best practices to protect themselves and their sources”, said Mr Mecha at a meeting organised by a taskforce mandated to develop the Computer Misuse and Cybercrimes Act (CMCA) regulations held at the Regional police offices in Nakuru.
“In this digital age where information is just a click away, journalists play a critical role in disseminating news and shaping public opinion. However, they are also vulnerable to cyber threats and attacks that can compromise their credibility and accuracy of their reports”, he said.
“It is therefore imperative to sensitise journalists on cyber security to equip them with the necessary knowledge and skills to navigate online landscape safely and ensure accuracy and integrity in their reporting.’’
Mr Mecha also stressed the significance of public officers allowing journalist access to information from public institutions in a bid to foster accountability.
“This access to official information plays a crucial role in enabling journalists to report accurately and avoid misinformation. When journalist have access to reliable sources, they can provide the public with well informed and fact -checked stories. Public officers, therefore, should recognise the importance of transparency and facilitate the flow of information to journalist, ultimately benefiting public interest”, he said.
To combat the spread of fake news and propaganda, Mecha urged journalists to verify information and photos from online sources.
‘’In today’s digital landscape, misinformation and manipulated images can easily be disseminated, leading to public confusion and distrust. Journalists have a responsibility to act as gatekeepers of information and ensure that what they report is accurate and verified. By implementing sound fact- checking practices, journalists can maintain their credibility and deliver news that is reliable and trustworthy”, he said.
The Nakuru Deputy County Commander Ken Lwenywi urged members of the public to be vigilant while using social media platforms.
“By being vigilant, individuals can protect themselves from various online threats such as cyberbullying, identity theft and online scams. Additionally, vigilance allows users to identify and report inappropriate offensive content, ensuring a positive online experience for all”, he said.
He also emphasized the need to uphold African culture while using the internet by monitoring what the young generation watch online.
‘’As social media platforms continue to transcend boundaries, it is important to preserve and promote our cultural heritage. By Monitoring the online activities of the younger generations, parents can ensure that they are exposed to content that align with African values, traditions and customs. This proactive approach not only helps preserve our culture identity but also fosters a sense of pride and belonging among the young generation.’’