The Media Council of Kenya (MCK) seeks to roll out a targeted training programme for 4,500 journalists across the country in preparation for the August 10,2027 General Elections.

Maureen Mudi, Coast Region Coordinator for the MCK says the programme that would be offered in conjunction with stakeholders will focus on digital media, editorial ethics, impartiality, safety of media practitioners, combating fake news and disinformation.

The coordinator, a veteran journalist, underscored the need to strengthen the capacity of journalists in a bid to realise a ‘credible, ethical, accountable and responsible election reporting’.

Mudi urged journalists to verify information at all times and uphold ethical standards across media platforms noting that releasing unverified news could attract legal consequences.

She said journalism plays a fundamental role in a democratic society by acting as the ‘Fourth Estate’ after the Executive, the Legislature and the Judiciary and should be an independent watchdog that holds those in power accountable to the public.

“When journalists instead act as mouthpieces for the political class in exchange of favours, it compromises the core principles of the journalism profession and damages public trust,” she quipped.

A recent joint survey by the Kenya Union of Journalists (KUJ) and the MCK reveals that 52 percent of journalists earn less than Sh50,000 a month, highlighting widespread low pay and financial distress in the media industry.

“But the fact that journalists are paid a paltry sum of money should not be a license to hobnob with the political class for personal favours and compromise ethical standards,” she said.

Mudi stated that media houses should establish fact-checking desks and collaborate with independent verification organisations ahead of the 2027 elections so as not to trigger confusion, unrest and election related crises.

She was speaking at the Kenya School of Government (KSG) Mombasa campus during a forum to mark the International Day to End Impunity for Crimes against Journalists by highlighting a severe surge in violence against media practitioners in the country.

The International Day to End Impunity for Crimes against Journalists is observed annually on November 2 and this year Kenya marked the day under the theme: Enhancing Journalists’ Safety and Protection Mechanisms ahead of the 2027 General Election.

The forum attracted journalists, government and civil society representatives from across the coastal region.

The MCK regional official stated that there was a need to equip journalists with essential skills and digital tools to remain relevant in the fast-changing media landscape.

Mudi said the regional training sessions designed for journalists working on election coverage and election related issues have already taken place in Nakuru and will eventually be held across the 47 counties to build the capacity of local journalists ahead of the national elections.

She stressed that ethical journalism was crucial during the election period at a time when rogue political actors tend to weaponize language and digital platforms amplifying inflammatory content.

“We would equip journalists with essential skills and tools to navigate the increasingly complex media landscape in an era of misinformation, disinformation and fake news,” she said, adding that the MCK is committed to promoting ethical standards through continuous training.

The coordinator said as the country approaches the next general polls there is an urgent need to address the rise of hate speech, misinformation, deepfakes and disinformation.

She said the comprehensive training programme will emphasize on accurate fact-checking and balanced coverage of all political parties and candidates before, during and after the high-stake election.

Mudi said the media should call out political parties and actors spreading propaganda and smear campaigns to gain popularity.

She said the country has conducted several elections since the return of multiparty politics in December 1991 but continues to grapple with sporadic incidents of violence in every election cycle.

Francis Auma, a prominent Mombasa based human rights defender underscored the critical importance of equipping journalists with essential skills in preparation for the upcoming general polls.

He lauded the MCK for being proactive in enhancing the skills of journalists noting that the media’s pivotal role in elections cannot be gainsaid.

“The media should be responsible in their coverage of elections and counter harmful content such as misinformation and disinformation while promoting freedom of expression and speech,” he said, noting that the training programme should be extended to social media influencers.

The human right activist also cautioned the media against sensationalism and emotionally charged reportage that could inflame passions before, during and after the elections.

By Hussein Abdullahi