Journalists in Wajir County have been trained on safe, ethical and responsible reporting ahead of the 2027 General Election, with facilitators urging the media to uphold accuracy, impartiality and accountability when covering sensitive issues.

Organised by Worthy Vision, the training brought together journalists from mainstream and digital media platforms, radio stations, print media and freelance practitioners.

The engagement focused on strengthening journalists’ capacity to report on peacebuilding, violent extremism, community cohesion and other issues that could affect relations among communities, particularly during politically sensitive periods.

Participants were taken through ethical reporting, impartial verification, accountability, humanity, peacebuilding and the safety of journalists while carrying out their professional duties.

The training also emphasised the need for journalists to avoid content that could stigmatise communities, amplify extremist narratives or expose journalists and their sources to unnecessary risks.

Facilitator Ali said journalists have a responsibility to verify information and remain impartial, particularly when reporting on conflict, violent extremism and political developments.

“Journalists have a responsibility to verify information, remain impartial and ensure that their reporting does not fuel conflict or expose communities and sources to unnecessary risks,” said Ali.

“As we approach the 2027 elections, ethical and responsible journalism will be critical in promoting peaceful dialogue and informed public participation,” he added.

The discussions also explored the role of the media in promoting positive narratives by highlighting community resilience, youth initiatives, peacebuilding efforts, interfaith dialogue, women’s leadership, community policing and human rights education.

The training was held alongside the inception meeting for the Kenya Community Engagement and Resilience Programme (KCERP) in Wajir County.

KCERP is funded by the European Union and implemented in partnership with the Global Community Engagement and Resilience Fund (GCERF) and ACT.

The inception meeting brought together implementing partners and other stakeholders to lay the foundation for coordinated interventions aimed at promoting social cohesion and preventing violent extremism through inclusive, community-led approaches.

The engagement also provided an opportunity for media practitioners and programme partners to discuss ways journalists can contribute to stronger community dialogue and resilience through accurate, balanced and constructive reporting.

Worthy Vision said stronger collaboration between communities, the media and other stakeholders was important in advancing peace, resilience and sustainable development in Wajir County.

A journalist who participated in the training said the engagement had provided practical lessons on verification, professional reporting and personal safety when covering sensitive community and political issues.

“The training has reminded us that our work goes beyond simply reporting events. We have a responsibility to verify information, give all sides a fair hearing and consider the impact of our stories on communities,” the journalist said.

The journalist added that lessons on safety and ethical reporting would help practitioners navigate the period leading to the 2027 elections.

Participants were urged to remain objective, verify information before publication, give fair representation to different sides and prioritise their professional and personal safety while covering events.

The training underscored the role of the media in promoting social cohesion, peaceful dialogue and informed public participation as the country prepares for the 2027 General Election.

by Hamdi Buthul