The Media Council of Kenya (MCK) Rift Valley Coordinator Joseph Karanja has revealed that the Council has launched the training of journalists across the country on reporting on elections which are set to take place on August 9th 2021.
Karanja was speaking in Kapenguria where he took the lead role in participating in helping Kenyans to make better choices on issues regarding elections. This will be done by organizing training in the country to sensitize journalists on the coverage of elections.
“Journalists in Kenya are being trained on the essence of neutrality. The aim is to enhance their skills in how to report objectively during the coming general elections and consequently improve the general public’s understanding of the electoral process. Practical skills will be a specific focus on the theoretical aspects and approaches on elections coverage,” said Mr Karanja.
According to Karanja, journalism is leadership that comes with responsibility and added that the training journalists were undergoing is a demonstration of the Council’s leadership and commitment to ensure responsible reporting by journalists.
“Election periods are serious and historic. It is important for journalists to learn how to report on them. Journalists should know how to report amid conflicts and how to report at the polling stations.
“This will contribute to cementing democracy anchored on a free and fair election where both men and women are recognized as equal players in the process,” said Karanja.
Karanja also added that journalists have a responsibility on their hands to ensure that the right information is passed on to the public. Hate speech will also cause a war and spark hatred among communities as was experienced in 2007.
He urged journalists to be careful with what they publish as this could lead to incitement among Kenyans.
“The media should be patriotic because the country belongs to all of us. We should guard the peace we enjoy all the time,” he said.
He called on journalists to adhere to the provided guidelines and be professional in their reporting.
He reminded journalists that in 2007 the media was accused of catalyzing violence which led to the loss of thousands of lives. Responsibility from the media in reporting will avoid any potential disagreements and conflicts.
“Empowering and training the media is crucial to ensuring journalists cover the elections in a professional manner,” said Karanja.
He also said that some politicians give journalists wrong information by use of propaganda to gain an edge on their competitors. Therefore, journalists should be able to identify misinformation in this era of social media where misinformation can spread quickly.
Stakeholders in the media fraternity were also urged to look upon their journalists to ensure that they strictly follow media ethics and guidelines.
Karanja urged all stakeholders to provide a conducive working environment for journalists during the period of elections.
Karanja also implored politicians to be responsible in their activities with the media.
“We are calling for sanctions against politicians who attack the media. You cannot lead people well if you do not engage in the right way with the press,” he added.