By Kipilat Kaptuya
Media Council of Kenya (MCK) Rift Valley Coordinator Joseph Karanja has said that MCK has rolled out nationwide training of journalists on election reporting ahead of the August 9th general elections.
Speaking in Kapenguria, Karanja said MCK has taken a lead role in enabling citizens make informed choices on election issues by organizing trainings across the country to sensitize journalists on election coverage.
“Journalists across the country are receiving training on the need for neutrality. The aim is to enhance their skills on how to report objectively during the coming general elections and to consequently improve on the general public’s understanding of the electoral process. In addition to practical skills, there will be a specific focus on the theoretical aspects and approaches to covering elections,”Mr Karanja noted.
He termed journalism as 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.
“Through this, we contribute to cementing democracy anchored on a free and fair election where both men and women are recognized as equal players in the process, “noted Mr. Karanja
He further explained that the journalists are being trained on what they should do before and after elections.
“Election periods are serious and historic hence it’s important for journalists to learn how to report on them. It’s important for journalists to know how to report amid conflicts and how to report at the polling stations,” he said.
Mr. Karanja said journalists have a major role in ensuring they pass the right information to the public.
“Journalists have a huge responsibility of educating Kenyans on elections hence they should ensure that what they report and publish is fair and factual. Journalists and media houses should be responsible and objective in their reporting so as to avert tension among communities,” he said.
He noted that hate speech can spark war and cause hatred amongst communities as experienced in 2007 and that journalists should be conscious of the fact that what they publish can incite people against each other.
“The media should be patriotic as the country belongs to all of us. We should therefore guard the peace we enjoy at all times,” he said.
He went on to urge journalists to adhere to stipulated election reporting guidelines and uphold professionalism.
He pointed out that in 2007, the media was accused of fanning violence which ultimately led to the loss of life hence accurate reporting will mitigate potential conflicts.
“Adequate empowerment and training of the media is key to ensuring journalists cover the electioneering process professionally,” explained Mr. Karanja.
He added that some politicians misinform journalists by using propaganda to discredit their competitors hence journalists should be able to identify misinformation especially during the era of social media where lies are easily spread.
Mr. Karanja urged stakeholders in the media industry to keenly scrutinize journalists to ensure that they strictly follow media ethics and guidelines.
He called for collaborative efforts by all stakeholders to guarantee a conducive working environment for journalists during the electioneering period.
Mr. Karanja urged politicians to be responsible when dealing with the media.
“We will advocate for sanctions against politicians who attack the media. You cannot lead the people well if you do not engage constructively with the press”. He said.
