Journalists in Siaya planted trees to mark the International World Press Freedom Day, Sunday, amid calls to the authorities to create a conducive environment for the fourth estate to perform its duties.
The event, organised by the Siaya Press Club, was held at the Siaya Central Comprehensive School, with more than 100 seedlings planted to mark the occasion.
Addressing the participants, Siaya County Commissioner Norbert Komora, who was the chief guest, assured journalists of security as they go about their duty of gathering and disseminating information.
Komora, however, called for factual and objective reporting, adding that journalists must always uphold professional ethics.
He said that the era of harassing journalists was long gone, adding that his office was always open for clarification of issues affecting the public.
“As we head towards the 2027 general elections, we assure you that we will create a conducive environment for you,” said the commissioner, adding, “We have nothing to hide. I practise the open-door policy, so feel free to seek any clarification.”
South Central Alego Ward Member of the County Assembly, Masidis Scholastica Madowo, challenged journalists to balance ‘negative’ and ‘positive’ reporting to enable the public to appreciate what the government and leaders were doing.
She hailed the democratic space in Kenya that has enabled the media to thrive and called on stakeholders to guard it jealously.
“Kenya is among the top countries that allow freedom of the media as entrenched in our constitution, and this should not be taken for granted,” said the MCA.
The chairman of the Siaya Press Club, Philip Onyango, hailed the cordial relations that local journalists have been enjoying with stakeholders.
“In Siaya, we have in the past recorded incidents of harassment of journalists while in the course of duty,” he said, adding, “Of late, however, I am happy to report that our relationship with the stakeholders has been cordial.”
The chairman hailed several stakeholders, among them the Kenya Forest Service, the office of the Alego/Usonga MP and local media houses, for supporting the event.
A journalist, Mary Gorety Juma, said Siaya journalists will ensure professionalism prevails while in the course of their duty.
By Philip Onyango
