The Media Council of Kenya has underscored the place of conflict-sensitive reporting in electoral processes.
The Council’s Assistant Director, Training and Curriculum Development Christine Nguku told journalists in Nakuru that they have a critical role in ensuring that the next general elections are peaceful.
She said that conflict sensitivity is particularly crucial for content creators and programme hosts, given that the media plays an important role in setting the agenda especially as the country heads to the general elections.
“The media is key in setting the tone for political conversations. This training is important in equipping journalists and media practitioners with the tools needed to report responsibly”, noted Ms Nguku during a Media Studies Module training in Nakuru region.
The training held in partnership with Elimu Digital Media, covered other courses within the Media Studies Module that include the Code of Conduct for the Practice of Journalism in Kenya, interviewing skills, fact-checking and fake news as well as hate speech.
The Media Council Manager for Research Planning and Strategy Mr Leo Mutisya informed the participants that the Council was keen on step up its monitoring ahead of the elections with a view to flagging out offenders.
Other trainers included Daystar University lecturer Rosemary Nyaole, former BBC editor Wanyama Chebusiri and MCK’s Manager for Accreditation and Compliance Rebecca Mutiso, MCK Senior Officer, Research Planning and Strategy Jacob Nyongesa, MCK Senior Officer, Training Standards and Curriculum Development Julius Sigei and MCK’s Nakuru Regional Coordinator Jackson Karanja.