By Fredrick Odiero
The Media Council of Kenya (MCK) has urged journalists to register for accreditation with the council for smooth coverage of the forthcoming general elections.
MCK Western Regional Coordinator Evans Teddy said only accredited journalists will be cleared by the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) to cover the elections.
“Any journalist covering elections or any other story must be accredited,” he stated.
He added that the move seeks to counter fake news and misinformation by ensuring that only qualified and accredited journalists are allowed to operate.
Teddy was speaking during a round table meeting between security officials and media managers in Kisumu county on the security of journalists during elections.
“Following an increase in the number of complaints from the police and other government officials over the rising cases of misinformation and propaganda by people claiming to be journalists, verification of press cards is paramount to ensure that sources only give information to accredited journalists,” he said.
He disclosed that the Council has introduced a journalist’s verification number, 40314, to help security officials confirm the authenticity of press cards.
He encouraged the security officials to take advantage of the verification number by confirming details of journalists to tame quacks who are giving the profession a bad name.
“There have been a lot of cases where people have impersonated journalists and had access to information which has been used to spread propaganda,” he explained.
He added that MCK will enhance the competence of journalists who will be covering elections for the first time through training.
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