The New Meru County Commissioner (CC), Jacob Ouma, yesterday, joined journalists in celebrations organised by Media Council of Kenya, Upper Eastern Region, to mark 100 years of Radio operations in Kenya,
Speaking during the event held at a Meru hotel, Mr Ouma promised to support and work with the media:
“Sina shida na sijawahi kuwa na shida na waandishi wa habari, kwa sababu siku zote kila mwamba ngoma huvuta upande wake. Hio ni taaluma yao kwa mujibu wa katiba iliyowekwa, na wako na nafasi yao na uhuru wao, (I don’t have and I have never had problems with journalists because I know they are doing what they are supposed to. This is their profession and they have to enjoy their freedom as stipulated by the Constitution).”
He said that radio has more advantages than disadvantages, noting that remembers with nostalgia the education programs aired through the then few radio stations, during his school years.
The CC who is only three days in Meru Office added that entertainment through radio brings happiness, adding that journalists are an important element in radio operation and need to be supported and respected.
He urged journalists to execute their duties wisely, professionally and humbly, requesting them to give news that are authentic and not the ones that serve their interests.
“Let the bad news be aired as bad, and this will motivate us to come-up with strategies to correct the mistake and ensure the affected parties get good services,” said Mr Ouma.
Jackson Karanja, the Media Council of Kenya Regional Co-ordinator, noted that Meru County has 22 registered Radio Stations and 18 of them are operational, making Meru the leading County, with operational Radio Stations.
He added that the status of media survey, showed that over 60 percent of Kenyans rely on Radio as a tool for information, education and entertainment.
Mr. Karanja also said that radio has stood the test of times amidst advancement of technology, which has come-up with many forms of media such as blogs and YouTube channels.
He said that the aim of the celebrations in the country were, “To look and reflect at where radio is today, where we are heading to and how we can work together in ensuring that the work of the media in our country remains protected and untouched.”
Karanja told journalists that their work should be guided by professional ethics, integrity and accountability.
“We have a responsibility to ensure that we inform the public in the right way, with special codes of integrity and accountability,” he stressed.
By Dickson Mwiti and Dorcas Kawira
