The Media Council of Kenya (MCK) has underscored the importance of media training on Public Procurement and Supply Chain Management reporting.
MCK CEO David Omwoyo has said that accurate reporting is key to improving public confidence and global perceptions of Kenya’s procurement systems.
He emphasised the media's critical role in demystifying public procurement and supply chain management processes.
“Journalists face challenges when reporting on procurement issues due to a lack of clear understanding of the processes, often leading to misreporting. Strengthening collaboration between the media and procurement professionals is crucial for transparency,” he said while meeting officials from Kenya Institute of Supply Management (KISM).
Mr Omwoyo pointed out that public procurement is a significant area of interest for journalists and the public, given its direct impact on socio-economic development. He called for joint efforts to ensure that the media has access to the right information and training.
“Proactive disclosure by public entities and consistent media engagement will prevent misinformation and ensure the public is well-informed on procurement matters”, he added.
He highlighted the pivotal role of MCK Africa Media Academy in advancing journalist training across various sectors.
“Through the Africa Media Academy, we aim to equip journalists with the necessary skills to report effectively on specialised topics like procurement and supply chain management. This initiative will significantly enhance their understanding and ensure accurate, well-informed reporting”, he stated.
KISM CEO Kenneth Matiba expressed his organisation’s commitment to bridging the knowledge gap between the media and procurement professionals.
He highlighted that this collaboration would enhance public perception and regulatory compliance within the supply chain sector.
“We must foster partnerships that promote transparency and accurate reporting, especially in public procurement, which is often misunderstood. This initiative will create an avenue for strategic alliances and shared responsibilities”, he asserted.
Mr Matiba reinforced the need for a formal Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to guide future collaboration between MCK and KISM, focusing on joint training sessions, media relations, and public awareness campaigns.