The Media Council of Kenya (MCK) has urged organisations to partner with the media to enhance awareness of their mandates.
The Council today engaged the Kenya Maritime Authority (KMA) Board and Senior Management for a training on media relations and various aspects towards creating sustainable blue economy.
The Principal Secretary, State Department for Shipping and Maritime Affairs Ms Nancy Karigithu urged the media to disseminate accurate information on blue economy, adding that it is a technical area that requires simplification of information.
“The media should be able to obtain and share the right information and get their facts right before reporting”, she said at the Kilifi training.
Media Council of Kenya Director for Media Training and Development Mr Victor Bwire said the Council continues engaging various stakeholders in discussions around specialisation, partnerships and curriculum around maritime reporting.
“There is room to ensure enhanced reporting by journalists on matters blue economy”, he said.
He further emphasised the importance of partnerships between institutions to enhance professional reporting of various issues of national interest.
“We train journalists and get them on travel grants as one of the ways to enhance professional reporting and to encourage specialisation. KMA has several opportunities that could work towards better relationship with the media," said Mr Bwire.
The managers were further taken through a session on how to prepare for interviews and media appearances with practical lessons by MCK’s Assistant Director for Training and Curriculum Development Ms Christine Nguku. She also spoke on the Do’s and Dont’s when communicating via email, social media and the digital platform profile.
“As KMA, you should be able to blow your trumpet and showcase all that you have done instead of assuming the public will know. The media at times does not get it correctly if you don't make the initiative to present your issues”, she said.
Acting KMA Director General Mr John Omingo commended the Council for the training and said “it was a critical time for managers to learn how to relay information to various stakeholders”.
MCK’s Mombasa Regional Coordinator Ms Maureen Mudi noted that the training was long overdue, and it should open up more conversations around reporting on the blue economy, saying that journalists need to be sensitised on maritime issues.