The Media Council of Kenya (MCK) is pursuing working collaboration with the Council of Governors (COG) to bolster media engagement in the devolution process, aiming to promote transparency, inclusion and equitable development at the county level.
Victor Bwire, MCK’s Director of Media Training and Development, emphasised that the collaboration will prioritise transparency, amplify marginalised voices, and improve access to public information in counties.
“The Media Council is focused on establishing media hubs in counties to enhance access to information. These hubs provide internet access, interview spaces, and platforms for meaningful engagement between media and county officials,” Bwire stated during a meeting with COG CEO Mary Mwiti.
He underscored MCK’s commitment to working with county governments to support storytelling that reflects citizens’ lived experiences and showcases devolution’s progress.
Bwire also highlighted the value of technical collaboration with COG, particularly for events like the Devolution Conference. “We must center the human experience in governance reporting. Children are missing school due to cut bursaries, and health services are stalled by budget delays. The media has a duty to spotlight these issues, and MCK is here to support that,” he added.
COG CEO Mary Mwiti praised the growing partnership with MCK and expressed enthusiasm for continued collaboration ahead of the 2025 Devolution Conference.
“We appreciate MCK’s support and look forward to making upcoming conferences impactful. Even when direct financial support is limited, your expertise in program design and facilitation is invaluable,” she said.
Mwiti reaffirmed COG’s dedication to deepening media ties to build public trust and understanding of county governance. She also promised fully paid participation for winners of the health category in the Annual Journalism Excellence Awards (AJEA) at the August conference.
Christine Nguku, MCK’s Assistant Director for Media Training and Curriculum Development, stressed the need to strengthen journalists’ capacity to cover devolution and equity issues. “We’re developing frameworks for mentorship, training, and potential grants, especially in underreported regions. To drive social accountability, the media must be equipped to report on what matters most to citizens,” she said.
The meeting also explored ways MCK could boost media visibility at the Devolution Conference, including hosting a side event focused on equity, inclusion, and social justice from a grassroots perspective.