The Media Council of Kenya (MCK) convened a capacity-building forum for journalists and media stakeholders in Elgeyo Marakwet County aimed at enhancing fact-checking, digital journalism and the production of locally driven content.
MCK Nakuru Regional Coordinator Joseph Mecha underscored the importance of practicing ethical journalism in volatile regions.
“In areas like Elgeyo Marakwet, where insecurity can hinder effective reporting, it is essential that journalists are not only protected but also equipped with the necessary tools and knowledge to produce impactful, fact-based stories,” said Mecha during a meeting with Deputy County Commissioner of Keiyo North Julius Maiyo.
He encouraged collaboration between journalists and civil society organisations (CSOs) to enrich reporting and amplify local voices.
Jitambue Empowering Organisation representative Patrick Chemwolo highlighted the media’s role in spotlighting grassroots solutions while outlining the four thematic areas, good governance, climate change, health and human rights as key pillars for local journalism.
“Local journalism holds the power to drive real change when it highlights the solutions already being crafted within our communities,” he stressed
He also touched on other pressing issues, including mental health challenges among athletes, rising drug abuse, climate change and the reintegration of Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) survivors.
Journalists expressed a keen interest in producing more in-depth, locally relevant content that reflects these concerns. Some proposed joint forums with CSOs and county authorities to encourage collaboration and greater public engagement.
The forum initiated a discussion on the use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in journalism, with participants calling on the Council to provide further training on emerging digital tools.