The Media Council of Kenya (MCK) has set up a Media Centre in Kisii County to enable accredited journalists in the region to cover the upcoming General Election effectively.
The Centre whose operations will run from 7th to 10th of August, will provide technical and logistical support to journalists on matters elections.
Speaking to KNA at the Centre on Monday, MCK Western Regional Coordinator, Teddy Oundo, said the facility has workstations and fast internet that will enable a smooth flow of information for journalists.
Oundo pointed out that the Centre will ensure the safety of journalists is guaranteed, adding that they have liaised with security agencies in the region to provide security for journalists.
“In case any Kenyan will be unhappy with the work done by journalists during this electioneering period, let them report to MCK through the Complaints Commission so that we can deliberate on the matter to avoid causing harm to the journalists,” he noted.
The Coordinator urged the media houses to report factual information on elections, adding that Kenyans should vote peacefully because there is life after the polls.
Further, a Press Statement by the Council’s Chief Executive Officer, David Omwoyo, called upon journalists who have been accredited by the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC), to utilise the facilities to ensure high-quality reporting and professionalism, when relaying election-related information.
Omwoyo said they had deployed 150 Press Freedom Monitors, to observe adherence to the provision of and access to information for journalists, monitor cases of violation of journalists’ rights and respond to distress calls.
MCK has established another Six (6) Media Centres in Nakuru, Uasin Gishu, Mombasa, Kisumu, Meru and Nyeri Counties, as part of their strategic efforts to strengthen the work of journalists towards a free, fair and credible General Election.
By Mercy Osongo and Vincent Nyambane
