Journalists and security agencies have been urged to foster a conducive working environment to enhance professionalism.
Media Council of Kenya (MCK) Mombasa Regional Coordinator Ms Maureen Mudi says the Council remains committed to enhancing a working relationship between the media and security agencies.
She pointed out the need for journalists to report crime accurately and for security enforcers to provide timely information.
“We work with security agencies and journalists to ensure both sides do their work professionally and exhibit cooperation as they both have responsibility to the public”, said Ms Mudi at a meeting with Regional Commandant Mr Kenneth Kimani.
Ms Mudi further stated that the media often perceives the police as secretive and uncooperative, while the police felt the media misrepresented their actions and undermined their efforts to maintain law and order.
“Inculcating a relationship that works both ways is crucial to ensure that we support each other’s work and ensure the public is the beneficiary. We have a Code of Conduct that guides journalists on how to report and they are bound by it”, said Ms Mudi.
Mr Kimani appreciated the role of the media in informing the public and pushed for accurate reporting mechanisms that would exhibit professionalism.
“We are ready to work with media to enhance their reportage by making the information they need readily available to avoid misreporting on matters of security”, voiced Mr Kimani.
The two entities agreed on the need to train security enforcers on matters of access to information and media relations in order to maintain impactful relations.