The Media Council of Kenya has urged journalists to play their watchdog role by engaging in objective reporting and uncovering public interest issues that expose societal ills and holding people to account.
The Media Council of Kenya’s Director for Media Training and Development Mr Victor Bwire has told the media to remain committed to creating awareness on the national values and principles of governance as enshrined in the Constitution of Kenya 2010.
“Journalists have an obligation to observe and promote national values encompassing patriotism, national unity, sharing and devolution of power, rule of law, democracy and participation and human dignity. It is for this reason that we are regularly engaging them”, Mr Bwire said when he led a team from the Council at a meeting with Kisii Central Deputy County Commissioner Mr Wilberforce Kilonzo. The team also engaged Kisii-based journalists on safety matters.
He urged stakeholders in Kisii County to reinforce journalists’ security ahead of the 2022 General Election and reaffirmed the Council’s commitment to journalists’ safety.
“We remain committed to ensuring safety and protection of all journalists in Kenya through a multi-faceted approach, including ensuring that journalists work within the confines of the Code of Conduct for the Practice of Journalism in Kenya and the Guidelines for Election Coverage”, said Mr Bwire.
He revealed that the Council will issue guidelines to all security agencies on the expected conduct of journalists during election coverage and how to verify accreditation status of journalists to deal with imposters.
MCK’s Manager for Press Freedom, Safety and Advocacy Ms Dinnah Ondari said journalists remain exposed to physical, psychological and digital safety risks ahead of the General elections.
“The risk assessment and decisions you make before, during and after news coverage have a direct bearing on your safety and that of your colleagues. The risks in covering political rallies are inherent and can never be eliminated. However, careful planning and risk assessment can mitigate the dangers”, she said.