The Media Council of Kenya has urged Journalists to remain objective during this electioneering period.
Speaking during a regional media sensitisation forum organised by the Office of the Registrar of Political Parties (ORPP) in Mombasa, MCK Mombasa Regional Coordinator Ms Maureen Mudi said one of the main challenges in this election cycle will be dealing with misinformation and disinformation.
"It is prudent that all journalists and media houses work towards establishing fact-checking desks to ensure anything that goes out has been verified", said Ms Mudi.
Citizen TV’s Political Affairs Editor Mr Francis Gachuri, urged journalists to refrain from being partisan by maintaining objectivity while reporting on political matters. Adding that the media is still one of the most trusted institutions.
"Elections is a process, not an event. We need to be careful how we report about it as it will either make or break us", he said.
Mombasa County Commissioner Mr John Otieno who officially opened the event, said security agencies have been collaborating with players in most sectors to ensure the county has peaceful elections.
"We have been doing thorough checks on areas marked as hotspots and I can confirm, a place like Majengo which is mostly problematic, is now fairly peaceful. We have been doing alot of sensitisation forums and holding peace meetings that have seen this kind of changes", said Mr Otieno.
Ms Mudi said MCK together with the UNDP are in the process of having virtual fact- checking desks and other arrangements to ensure professionalism among journalists is enhanced.
Office of the Registrar of Political Parties (ORPP) Administrator Ms Judy Gathoni, took the journalists through the mandate of the ORPP, the party processes, and laws governing political parties’ management.
The ORPP regional boss Mr Ezekiel Obonyo, noted that they would be meeting different special group interests including women, people living with disabilities, and the youth in their quest to sensitise the masses.
KNA Reporter Mr Galgalo Bocha noted that majority of journalists need to be educated on the verification tools available in countering fake news, as majority are not knowledgeable about the tools.