Wajir:Journalists in Wajir County have undergone training on safe, ethical, and responsible reporting practices in preparation for the 2027 General Election. Facilitators emphasized the importance of accuracy, impartiality, and accountability when covering sensitive issues.
According to Kenya News Agency, the training was organized by Worthy Vision and included journalists from various media platforms, such as mainstream and digital media, radio stations, print media, and freelance practitioners. The program focused on enhancing journalists’ ability to report on peacebuilding, violent extremism, and community cohesion during politically sensitive periods.
Participants were instructed on ethical reporting, impartial verification, accountability, and the safety of journalists. The training highlighted the need to avoid content that could stigmatize communities, amplify extremist narratives, or expose journalists and their sources to unnecessary risks.
Facilitator Ali stressed the responsibility of journalists to verify information and remain impartial, especially when reporting on conflict, violent extremism, and political developments. Ali noted the importance of ethical and responsible journalism in promoting peaceful dialogue and informed public participation as the 2027 elections approach.
The discussions also covered 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 coincided with the inception meeting for the Kenya Community Engagement and Resilience Programme (KCERP) in Wajir County, funded by the European Union and implemented with partners such as the Global Community Engagement and Resilience Fund (GCERF) and ACT. This meeting aimed to lay the foundation for coordinated interventions promoting social cohesion and preventing violent extremism through community-led approaches.
Worthy Vision emphasized the importance of collaboration between communities, the media, and other stakeholders in advancing peace, resilience, and sustainable development in Wajir County. A participating journalist noted the practical lessons on verification and professional reporting, which will be crucial as the 2027 elections approach.
The training reinforced the media’s role in promoting social cohesion, peaceful dialogue, and informed public participation in the lead-up to the elections. Participants were encouraged to remain objective, verify information before publication, and prioritize their safety while covering events.
