The Media Council of Kenya (MCK) has called upon players in the electoral process to grant journalists unfettered access to information to guarantee accurate reporting.
MCK CEO Mr David Omwoyo has at the same time urged media houses to prioritise access to information and safety of their personnel by creating a conducive working environment.
Mr Omwoyo told a consultative session on access to information framework on elections and media practice organised by the Council in Nairobi that the law provides for legitimate access to information by journalists, adding that this must be always upheld.
“Journalists have a duty to seek information in the manner prescribed in the Access to Information Act, 2016. Maintaining a professional working relationship with news sources is critical in ethical journalism”, he said.
He said that the Media Council is engaging stakeholders and government agencies in promoting the safety and security of journalists as a major way of improving access to information.
“We want to ensure that journalists do their work in a balanced and objective manner. The media cannot report the truth and be accurate if they cannot access the right information to execute their duties, conduct civic education, demand accountability and inform the public”, said Mr Omwoyo.
He at the same time called for the prosecution of anyone attacking journalists as they undertake their duties.
MCK Chairman Mr Maina Muiruri said access to information culture and practice is critical for enhancing public participation in electoral practice and governance that is now enshrined as one of the national values and principles of governance under Article 10 of the Constitution.
“Access to information is a critical element in promoting participatory democracy, effective decision making and fostering demand for accountability from public officials at all levels’’, said Mr Muiruri.
The session that brought together journalists covering political and governance matters was also attended by key public custodians of information relating to elections who explicated the roles of their respective offices in facilitating the media’s participation in election coverage through access to information.
Registrar of Political Parties Ms Lucy Ndung’u applauded the Media Council of Kenya for continuously engaging with journalists on matters of access to information. Noting that some of the information may not be readily available to journalists because of their nature, she said that the institution strives to offer clarity on information disseminated to the public.
“We remain committed to collaborating with journalists and the MCK to ensure we achieve accurate reporting by making information readily available on our website and social media platforms”, said Ms Ndung’u.
Assistant Director for Multi-Media Services at the Communications Authority of Kenya, Mr Alfred Ambani urged media houses to desist from covering anything that is not verified. He said that the broadcasting regulation requires that information be based on facts and adhere to the stipulated professional ethics.
He echoed calls by the Media Council that journalists eyeing elective positions should resign as per the timelines stipulated by the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC).
“The Authority reminds media houses that if a person working at any given station has expressed political interest, they should vacate office to avoid interfering with the editorial independence of the media houses”, said Mr Ambani.
The Commission on Administrative Justice revealed plans to set up a toll-free line in partnership with the Media Council for reporting of violation of journalists’ rights.
Speakers at the meeting included the Secretary General of Kenya Union of Journalists (KUJ) Erick Oduor, Chairman of the Political Journalists Association of Kenya (PJAK) Mr Kennedy Muriithi and his Kenya Parliamentary Journalists Association counterpart Mr Duncan Khaemba.