The lack of consistent and effective communication between journalists and scientists has contributed to dwindling quality of medical research reporting, says Media Council of Kenya (MCK ) CEO David Omwoyo .
He says the critical role of the media in disseminating research findings around science and innovation must be upheld for improved behaviour change.
“It is important to reflect on the role of the media in ensuring that the high quality research in health reach varied audiences, ultimately enabling them to make informed decisions regarding their health”, said Mr Omwoyo during an engagement to explore a partnership with the Kenya Medical Research Institute (KEMRI) – Welcome Trust at their offices in Kilifi.
Mr Omwoyo commended the health research body for its efforts to work with the media, saying such a move has capability of influencing policy and behaviour.
“Unless research findings are communicated effectively, some may just remain on the shelves even as humans continue grappling with emerging health challenges. I am pleased that the Media Council of Kenya is part of the media advisory group that has been formed by KEMRI-Welcome Trust as this will support health storytelling”, he said.
Mr Omwoyo revealed that the anticipated collaboration will seek to mobilise research scientists to engage journalists as part of efforts to ensure professional reportage of scientific research, saying it will accord journalists the ability to weave stories from research into facts.
The two organisations are pursuing collaborations that will, among others, enhance knowledge sharing, capacity building and advance areas of common interest in research and media through the existing MCK networks.
The focus areas will be media training for scientific researchers, capacity building of journalists in science reporting, media monitoring, grants and award schemes for science research reporting as well as media engagement activities. Under the partnership KEMRI-Welcome Trust will sponsor a category in the Media Council of Kenya’s premier media awards, the Annual Journalism Excellence Awards (AJEA).
Further, MCK and KEMRI- Welcome trust will seek to sustain engagements on access to accurate information, strategic stakeholder engagement and responsiveness to changing media landscape. The two institutions will also pursue sustained capacity building of scientists and journalists, inclusion of media voice in research and embracing collaborations.
KEMRI acting Deputy Director In-charge-Centre for Geographic Medicine Research – Coast Dr Joseph Mwangangi said the anticipated engagement will project scientific research and seal the existing communication gaps.
“It is true that we have not optimised the way we communicate the critical work that we do and through such engagements we will equip the media with accurate information based on science and not hearsay”, he said.
Dr Mwangangi said the expanding media space has made it possible for Kenyans to access information on health, saying this calls for churning of more relevant information.
“We have the right mix of scientists and the media and Kenyans are information-driven and tech savvy, hence the need to give them accurate information on research and science”, said Dr Mwangangi.