The Media Council of Kenya (MCK) has urged security agencies to foster cordial working relationship with the media by according them space to undertake their rightful duties.
MCK's Meru Regional Coordinator Jackson Karanja says journalists need to be given the necessary support in order to relay timely and accurate information, adding that the Council respects the position held by security agencies in the country to ensure law and order is maintained.
“As a Council, we appreciate and respect the work that our security agencies carry out and we commit to promoting cordial working relations to foster timely and accurate relay of information”, said Mr Karanja during a meeting with the Meru County Police Commander Mr Cunningham Suyianka.
The police boss assured the Council of his office's support to ensure journalists’ safety and access to information.
“My office and officers on duty will ensure that we collaborate with journalists to foster relationships intended towards creating a conducive working environment for journalists and media practitioners in the county”, said Mr Suyianka
“I appreciate the role the Council plays in ensuring that journalists and media practitioners are equipped with skills to verify information before sharing it with the public”, he said.
He commended the media in Meru County for always seeking clarification on any security matter or information before reporting and urged the community media houses to use their platforms as agents of change in the community.
“The residents of Meru have a lot of trust with the local media and with such trust, the media should use their platforms to bring an end to societal challenges such as gender-based violence”, remarked Mr Suyianka.