Kisumu Journalists Network (KJN) has had various engagements in 30 educational institutions as it marked World Press Freedom Day today. The association also revealed that it is going to roll out programme meant to share journalism and communication knowledge among learners in the institutions.
According to the network’s Chairperson Rushdie Oudia, they will involve journalism clubs in 30 tertiary institutions, secondary and primary schools by visiting and engaging them on various issues.
Oudia said that some of the issues to be tackled are those surrounding journalism, changing trends, content creation, news writing, broadcasting and communications in general.
“It is because of this and the need to nurture upcoming journalists and to inculcate the culture of media and digital journalism at a tender age, that KJN is planning to roll out a major programme involving journalism clubs in learning institutions,” he indicated.
Oudia made the remarks in a speech read on his behalf by his Vice Chairperson Maurice Alal in Kisumu.
“The programme will start with 10 learning institutions from Kisumu County this year and 20 others the following year,” he said.
The chairperson said the students will get to meet their favorite reporters and writers who will also take them through mentorship.
“We will work with partners such as the Media Council of Kenya who will take them through the code of conduct in the practice of journalism and other non-state actors who will offer subjects on sexual reproductive health,” he added.
He said the network will also use the opportunity to plant trees with the students from Kisumu County adding that it is through this that the they can give back to the society and therefore called upon partners to engage with the organization so that they can walk this journey together.
Oudia also called on other stakeholders including human rights organizations, government, and the regulator to work with scribes and take journalists through sensitization on matters of mental Health, safety, sustainable partnerships, and financial literacy engagement.
He said journalists should keep their eyes on the ball and ensure they protect the gains so far made over the years.
The KJN, Oudia said, joins its counterpart and the global media fraternity to celebrate World Press Freedom Day on May 3, 2023 whose theme is “Shaping a Future of Rights: Freedom of expression as a driver for all other human rights.”
The official said it has been a tough year for the journalism fraternity in view of the heightened political activities in the country.
He said the demonstrations have seen many of journalists attacked in the line of duty, others profiled and trolled on social media and many others lose their jobs because of various interests within and outside the media houses.
“We have condemned these incidents in the strongest words possible because they have continued to infringe in the rights of journalists and hindered their work. ‘ he said.
He said from reports locally and across the globe, press freedom in Kenya is still under threat and declining even as the media continue to influence the public agenda in several ways.
Oudia said the threats that exist are from the national government, counties, intimidation from judicial officers, advertisers, media owners, and fellow journalists.
“We call on government and advertisers to stop the censorship in exchange for revenue and instead push for improvement of the working conditions for journalists through health insurance and proper pay.
“We want journalism to remain one of the most respected institutions and careers across the world where the generations to come will still look up to,” he said.
By Fredrick Odiero
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