Journalists in neighbouring Kilifi and Kwale counties have initiated efforts to collectively support professionalism and to address their welfare.
Kilifi County-based journalists have formed the Kilifi Press Club while their counterparts in Kwale have established the Kwale Press Club, which were officially launched by the Media Council of Kenya (MCK) at the respective counties.
MCK CEO David Omwoyo commended the scribes for the noble move, saying the formation of the press clubs present opportunities for formal engagements among the members of the Fourth Estate.
“The beauty of coming together in a press club especially by people who work in the region is that it gives you an opportunity to have a formal way of engaging and to share ideas on emerging media trends and to reflect on your welfare”, said Mr Omwoyo when he launched the Kilifi Press Club in Kilifi town on January 30.
He pledged support to the press club, saying the Council will pursue collaborations to provide journalists with conducive working spaces.
“Through various partnerships we will establish media hubs across the country to provide journalists with space to undertake their work freely and in a professional manner”, said Mr Omwoyo.
The hubs, he added, will also provide space for news sources to share their stories with the media.
He explained that the Council is taking the initiative following the closure of regional media offices as a result of the economic downturn.
“Because of tough economic times media houses in Nairobi have closed regional offices, rendering journalists without working space. The establishment of media hubs will address this gap and hence the critical role that the press clubs will play in actualising this”, said Mr Omwoyo.
The MCK CEO at the same time encouraged community media organisations to proactively highlight happenings in their localities in a professional manner.
“We encourage vibrant local media and if a matter is of national interest then it should be escalated”, he said.
Leaders who spoke at the Kilifi launch lauded Kilifi journalists for their admirable work and pledged support through enhanced access to information and regular consultations.
Kilifi North Member of Parliament Owen Baya, Kilifi North Deputy County Commissioner Samuel Muinde and Kilifi County Executive Committee Member for Education and ICT Felkin Ndena graced the event.
Kilifi Press Club Chairperson Elias Yaa commended the Media Council for its relentless efforts in supporting journalists, especially those in community media.
Speaking in Kwale, Mr Omwoyo said the launch of the press club was a milestone and added that it was a demonstration of togetherness.
“Today we are getting the reaffirmation that Kwale journalists have agreed to work together and to collaborate. That your hearts and minds have agreed to work together means that it will be easier to work with and support you”, he said during the launch in Diani.
He urged the members to organise sessions on information sharing, education and information exchange, while encouraging them to uphold the culture of sharing and collaboration.
Deputy Government Spokesperson Mwanaisha Chidzuga urged the journalists to adapt to the changing media landscape accordingly while upholding professionalism.
Kwale County Deputy Governor Chirema Kombo commended the local journalists for upholding professionalism in their undertakings and pledged the county’s commitment to support media work and journalist’ welfare.
Kwale Press Club Chairperson Lawrence Ng’ang’a said the press club will seek to enhance professionalism in the media industry and to mentor upcoming journalists.
Lungalunga MP Chiforomodo Mangale pledged collaboration with the journalists and called for enhanced adherence to journalistic ethics.