MEDIA COUNCIL OF KENYA SHAPING THE FUTURE OF JOURNALISM INDUSTRY

MEDIA COUNCIL OF KENYA SHAPING THE FUTURE OF JOURNALISM INDUSTRY

By Chris Ojow

Freedom of expression in article 34

clause 5 States that Media Council of

Kenya (MCK) is mandated by the new 2010

Constitution of the Republic of Kenya

to set media standards and regulate

compliance with those standards.

And one of the strategies that the

Council has adopted during

this election period is sensitizing

journalists, media practitioners, and

its stakeholders on emerging issues in

media practice and elections reporting. 

Elections being the hallmark of a

democratic society, dissemination of

information on matters before the court

and electoral tribunals have been of

public interest.

And the media worldwide plays an

integral role in providing a platform

for access to information, educating and

creating awareness.

As the Country gears for a general

election in fortynight , Media Council

of Kenya observed disputes being

handled by the IEBC’s Dispute Resolution

Committee and ultimately on appeal and

separately the High Court and thought

that there was need to further train

journalists on ways to report such

disputes.

Over the years there have been many

matters being handled by the Political

Parties Tribunal and the Courts

including the Supreme Court during

elections. Which the public need to be

informed in manner they can understand

easily.

In light of the foregoing, MCK also

trains journalists who cover legal

matters and disputes before the court.

To enhance the Journalist skills on how

to efficiently report on election

matters and to help the public

understand the Court procedures and

proceedings, and decisions made without

prejudicing the ongoing disputes

through accurate reporting.