The Media Council of Kenya (MCK) has called for improved ties between law enforcement and the media.
MCK Director for Media Training and Development Victor Bwire emphasised the economic and social importance of press freedom. He said that journalists’ safety is crucial for Kenya’s global reputation as human rights violations are liable to international scrutiny.
“Violations of press freedom affects the country’s economy. When journalists are constrained, it hampers the information flow, which has wide-ranging effects on local investment and international human rights monitoring”, he said during a training on Leadership and Management course at the National Police Leadership Academy.
He stressed the need for security agencies to build stronger relationships with the media, noting that doing so will help aid in persecution of perpetrators.
“When citizens view law enforcement as partners rather than enforcers, they are more likely to support efforts to maintain peace and stability”, he added.
National Police Leadership Academy (NPSA) Commandant Kainga Mathiu highlighted the interdependent relationship between the police and the media.
“The media and police cannot run away from each other. We need each other to ensure the public understands law and order for effective law enforcement”, he said.
Ethics and Media Freedom Committee at the Kenya Editors Guild Chairperson Martin Maasai outlined the advantages of collaboration between the police and media. He said that the partnership would aid in improves in improving transparency while enhancing performance.