Journalists working in Nyeri County have been advised on the need to uphold ethics of their profession as one way of living to their calling.
Speaking, today, at the White Rhino Hotel during the launch of the Nyeri Press Club, Nyeri Deputy Governor, David Kinanie, said the journalists should always be guided by the dictates of their trade, in order to shine light on issues that affect the society.
While lauding the members for the launch of the Club, Kinanie said the County government will work closely with the team, to ensure it remains an avenue where free expression is exercised in spearheading the truth that unites humanity.
“In a world where information is both abundant and elusive, journalists play a pivotal role. You are the storytellers, the watchdogs, and the voices that hold the powerful accountable and this is essential for maintaining a fair and transparent society. The establishment of Nyeri Press Club signifies the collective dedication to the principles of transparency, accountability, and the pursuit of truth,” said the Deputy Governor who was the Chief Guest during the event.
Kinanie has also challenged members to be the voice of the marginalized in the society who often remain sidelined and unheard due to their prevailing circumstances.
He said the press, just like the church and medical facilities, plays a critical role, where the downtrodden and the hurting, can find a haven to run to.
“As we inaugurate this space, let us reflect on the responsibilities that come with the privilege of being the Fourth Estate. Our role is not merely to report events; it is to illuminate the dark corners, question the status quo, and provide a voice to the voiceless, while also being fair. The press club we open today is not just a physical entity; it is a sanctuary for those who believe in the transformative power of information,” he emphasized.
Media Council of Kenya (MCK), Director for Media Training and Development, Mr Victor Bwire, challenged media practitioners to acquire additional skills besides their professional, to enable them cope with the changing work environment.
He lamented that the majority of reporters possess little or no additional expertise beyond their profession which he termed quite unfortunate at a time when the world is undergoing tremendous transformations in almost every sector.
Bwire therefore urged journalists to undergo continuous self-improvement programs in other fields such as in first aid, financial literacy and stress management to help them navigate the treacherous road of the modern job market.
“Increasingly there are more demands on journalists. We must have more skills that make us fit into society. You are not just a scribe. You are a family person, a friend and a colleague to someone. When confronted with an emergency whether at work or in your home, you can’t excuse yourself just because you are a greenhorn in that field. You cannot just look on as someone bleeds to death just because your profession is not about saving lives,” he stated.
Bwire urged reporters to move beyond the comfort of their immediate work stations by leveraging on emerging technologies and social networks to earn and help them make by.
The Official noted that journalism as a trade traverses across boundaries and therefore reporters need to cut a niche for themselves if they hope to remain relevant in the profession.
He cited online platforms such as blogs, podcasts and TikTok as some of the open spaces notable media personalities such as Alex Chamwada, Allan Namu and Enock Sikolia, have exploited and made a household name for themselves after moving out of paid-up work.
“Journalists need to grow with the changing times, by realizing that it is no longer possible to put your eggs in one basket and expect to flourish .No one has ever made it by waiting to receive a paycheck at the end of the month .As the going continues to get tough ,we as reporters need to launch deeper and supplement what we earn by exploring beyond what we do every day . People are earning millions of shillings through platforms such as blogs and TikTok .We can also exploit such platforms and create content that can ensure we have something we can fall onto when things get a bit challenging .Success entails investing on social networks on a daily basis ,”he added.
Mr Karanja Jackson, who is Regional MCK Co-ordinator, said the Council plans to establish digital centres across the country where journalists can undertake their work with ease.
He said the facilities which will come with computers and 24-hour free Wi-Fi hotspots will also be used in training interns while on industrial attachment to equip them with hands-on skills for the job market.
“There is a need to set up a digital centre where the press clubs can be sitting, working from furnished with a few laptops and good Wifi because having a place to work from is also very important for us as journalists,” he stated.
During the event, the Club also unveiled the interim officials who included Seth Mwaniki (Chairperson), Stephen Munyiri (Vice Chair) , Mercy Mwende (Assistant secretary ) and Esther Wangari (treasurer).
By Samuel Maina
