The Media Council of Kenya (MCK) today met the National Police Service (NPS) for a discussion on issues around safety and protection of journalists.
MCK’s Director for Media Training and Development Mr Victor Bwire told the NPS Corporate Director for Communications and Spokesman Mr Bruno Shioso that the Council was keen to work closely with the Office of the Inspector General of Police to promote press freedom in the country.
Among the key issues discussed included the need to explore opportunities for capacity building for both media and security personnel in a bid to reduce the recurrent tension between the two.
Mr Bwire said such engagements will foster a nexus between national security and freedom of expression, safety and protection of journalists and access to information.
Mr Bwire stated that through this collaboration, the Council is hoping to tap into resources available at NPS to help identify quacks who pose a credibility threat to journalism.
“The Council is interested in partnering with the National Police Service to enhance information access and sharing between journalists and security organs, through capacity building, dialogues and trainings”, said Mr Bwire.
Mr Shioso said NPS is keen on fostering a mutually beneficial relationship between the media and the police service, adding that this will require a lot of exposure on issues that affect journalists and police officers’ working environment.
The meeting that was also attended by MCK’s Manager for Press Freedom, Safety and Advocacy Ms Dinnah Ondari and NPS Deputy Director for Corporate Communication Ms Bianca Ndanu came at a time when both institutions are keen on enhancing the preparedness of their teams to address emerging issues before and during the 2022 General Election. Today’s meeting was part of the planned continuous engagement between NPS and MCK to enhance cooperation in the interest of national development.