Press
Scribes have been urged to strictly adhere to the media ethics which include objectivity and impartiality and to observe the media law in their day-to-day agenda setting role in the society.
Further, journalists were also urged to refrain from sensationalizing stories in order to effectively inform educate and entertain the public.
Speaking during the commemoration of the World Press Freedom Day celebrations in Kericho County, the Kenya Union of Post-Primary Education Teachers Executive Secretary (Kericho County) Mary Rotich who was the chief guest called for unity of purpose among the journalists saying their working together as professionals in covering stories within the county would make positive impact.
Ms. Rotich further observed that journalists played a critical role in promoting cohesion and integration within communities and organizations by airing the issues affecting them.
“If journalists can play their role well in highlighting real issues affecting the society, we can go far. This day renews the call for all media practitioners to re-evaluate how they gather, process and disseminate information for the good of the society,” added Ms Rotich.
Audrey Chemutai who represented the Kericho Press Club emphasised on the importance of journalism and the freedom of expression for journalists in covering pertinent issues such as climate change which has been cited as the main cause of the floods being experienced in the country.
“All journalists in Kericho County should join the Press Club to ensure that there is unity and togetherness amongst us. The club gives us a home to come together and relate as one family,” Chemutai said.
Journalists from all the six sub counties in Kericho County gathered for the World Press Freedom Day at ACK Holy Trinity for the commemoration of the day. In 2024, World Press Freedom Day marked annually on May 3, was dedicated to the importance of journalism and freedom of expression in the context of the current global environmental crisis and its consequences.
According to the United Nations, journalists encounter significant challenges in seeking and disseminating information on contemporary issues, such as supply-chains problems, climate migration, extractive industries, illegal mining, pollution, poaching, animal trafficking, deforestation, or climate change.