The Media Council of Kenya (MCK) marked the 31st World Press Day by convening journalists to discuss the importance of journalism and freedom of expression in the context of the current global environmental crisis.
This year’s theme ‘A Press for the Planet: Journalism in the face of the Environmental Crisis’ was highlighted throughout the event by various stakeholders.
Media Council of Kenya Chief Executive Officer David Omwoyo said this year’s commemoration underscores the critical role of journalism in conservation adding that it points to the need to amplify every voice at the forefront of environmental advocacy and reporting.
“In Kenya, where environmental issues like floods demand attention, the media’s role in galvanising action is paramount,” Omwoyo said.
Media Owners Kenya Chairperson Agnes Kalekye stated that a free and independent press played a vital force in the fight against environmental degradation and was a catalyst for change.
“The role of journalism in shaping public discourse is relevant to the crisis we are facing now. Environmental crises pose significant challenges and opportunities for journalism, shaping the way news organisations cover, prioritise and respond to environmental issues,” Kalekye said.
Speaking at the event, Dagoretti Member of Parliament and chairman of the Committee on Communication Information and Innovation John Kiarie said that the National Assembly was creating a conducive environment for media sustainability and urged the media to come up with strategies that would shape the future of the media in the country.
“The government reaffirms its commitment to protecting journalists, ensuring accountability for attacks against journalists and creating mechanisms for legal recourse in cases of violations of press freedom,” Kiarie said.
World Press Freedom Day was declared on May 3 by The United Nations General Assembly. It is observed to raise awareness of the importance of freedom of the press and remind governments of their duty to respect and uphold the right to freedom of expression as enshrined under Article 19 of the 1948 Universal Declaration of Human Rights.
It is also a day of reflection among media professionals about issues of press freedom and professional ethics.
By Sylvia Wanjohi
