The Media Council of Kenya and Human Rights Organizations have advocated for professionalism, safety and protection of trained journalists while carrying out their reporting duties to avoid further attacks and harassment.
Speaking during The Kenya Correspondents Association (KCA) regional forum to reflect on World Press Freedom Day 2025 key highlights in Eldoret, Uasin Gishu County, the Regional Coordinator, Media Council of Kenya (MCK) Joseph Mecha, called upon the journalists to do proper investigation in order to inform the public factually, fairly and objectively to avoid discontentment that may arise due to misinformation and disinformation.
“We are here to encourage each other to ensure that we do proper investigations, get factual information, report accurately, and leverage the use of AI (Artificial Intelligence),” he noted.
He further encouraged all journalists to ensure that they get accredited for easy intervention by the MCK body whenever an issue such as security arises.
On his part, Uasin Gishu Civil Societies Network representative Nick Omito challenged journalists to credibly report news stories without fear or favour as he assured them of championing their rights.
In his remarks, Uasin-Gishu Journalists Association (UGJA) Chairperson James Gitaka raised concern over online and physical threats posed to journalists and other media practitioners being barred from accessing information such as financial bill documents from public offices, thus exposing them to misinformation and disinformation.
He commended MCK for providing journalists with support and a media working space in navigating physical and digital challenges while undertaking their duties, noting that it has reduced the threat cases by 50 percent compared to the previous cases.
“Today, as we speak, we have heard very few cases of threats on journalists in the region because the council was courteous enough to undertake security measures,” said Gitaka.
He also appreciated the Civil Society Network for the noble role it plays in advocating for the rights of journalists, hence creating a safe and conducive working environment for the media personnel at work.
Human Rights Activist Kimutai Kirui noted that there have been attacks and intimidations on journalists while covering sensitive and controversial matters and urged the council to continue standing firm in protecting and defending freedom and rights of the members of the fourth estate.
The forum explored complex issues such as bringing together journalists, media council and professionals, civil society members, and other key stakeholders to ensure Artificial Intelligence (AI) strengthens rather than undermines press freedom and values.
According to the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO), AI is transforming journalism, providing tools that enhance investigative reporting, content creation, and fact-checking. It allows for greater efficiency, multilingual accessibility, and improved data analysis.
However, these advancements also bring risks such as AI-generated misinformation and disinformation, biased content moderation, deep-fake technology, and surveillance threats to journalists.
By Fredrick Maritim
