The Media Council of Kenya (MCK) wants those practicing journalism without proper accreditation to formalize their certification or risk arrest. Speaking in Siaya during the launch of the Siaya Press Club, MCK Chief Executive Officer, David Omwoyo said that such people would be locked out of not only practicing but other benefits reserved for those accredited.
“It is illegal to purport to practice journalism in Kenya without accreditation,” Omwoyo said. He added that without accreditation, journalists will miss out on several benefits such as training, story writing grants offered by the media council from time to time as well as press freedom protection.
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Omwoyo called on journalists to be committed to the values of accuracy, transparency, truthfulness and the ‘not harm’ principle.
He reiterated the councils’ commitment to the protection of journalists’ rights adding that by doing this, the eventual beneficiary becomes a Kenyan citizen. “As journalists be committed to the values of accuracy, transparency, truthfulness and the ‘not harm’ principle,” he added.
The C.E.O. commended Siaya journalists for coming together to form the press club and pledged to support the young club in coming up with an information hub.
Addressing the occasion, the County Commissioner, Jim Njoka hailed the cordial working relationship with the local media. He urged the journalists to use the press club to protect the image of the profession through constructive criticism of each other.
The county commissioner also called on journalists to be patriotic and help highlight the positive things that the government was doing. “You need to be balanced and patriotic. Flag out positive things that the government is doing and also those that you think the government should pay attention to,” said Njoka.
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Governor James Orengo urged the media to safeguard the freedoms enshrined in the constitution, adding that they did not just come casually. He went on to say that he will streamline his government to make it easier for both journalists and the public to access information with ease.
“As a government entity, we acknowledge that the public has a right to know the state of affairs within the county as giving information will empower the public to make informed decisions,” Orengo said.
The launch of the Siaya press club was also attended by, former government spokesman, colonel (retired) Cyrus Oguna, Kenya National Union of Teachers Siaya branch executive secretary, Alex Dunga, club chairman, Philip Onyango and MCK director, Victor Bwire.
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