The Media Council of Kenya (MCK) has affirmed its commitment to ensuring that media plays its role in preventing human trafficking.
MCK Mombasa Regional Coordinator Maureen Mudi told a team from Trace Kenya that the Council remains keen on seeking collaborations with different players to enhancing quality reportage of such stories.
“Journalists need more exposure and training to report on complex stories on countering human trafficking. This will in turn lead to positive interventions by actors”, said Ms Mudi.
She also reinforced the importance of trainings, adding that the Council, through the Africa Media Academy, has created training modules that emphasise the need for journalists to protect victims of human trafficking.
“Such trainings with journalists not only educate the public but also highlights an issue typically shrouded in darkness”, she said.
Trace Kenya Director Paul Adhoch echoed Ms Mudi’s sentiments, saying that it was crucial for media to report about human trafficking without increasing harm or causing damage to the victims.
“The media has a huge role to play in mobilising public support and involvement to help prevent and combat trafficking. Owing to its reach and its ability to mould public opinion, it is a powerful tool for social change”, said Mr Adhoch.
The meeting was also attended by journalists from Rwandan-based Pax Press who shared their learnings on reporting about human trafficking in their country.