Mombasa:The Media Council of Kenya (MCK) is set to launch a comprehensive training program targeting 4,500 journalists nationwide in preparation for the upcoming General Elections scheduled for August 10, 2027. This initiative aims to enhance the skills and ethics of media practitioners across the country.
According to Kenya News Agency, Maureen Mudi, the Coast Region Coordinator for MCK, emphasized that the training will focus on digital media, editorial ethics, impartiality, and safety of journalists. The program, conducted in collaboration with various stakeholders, will also address the challenges of fake news and disinformation. Mudi highlighted the importance of strengthening journalists’ capacities to ensure credible and responsible election reporting.
Mudi underscored the critical role of journalism as the ‘Fourth Estate,’ which should act independently to hold those in power accountable. She warned against journalists acting as “mouthpieces” for political entities, as this compromises journalistic integrity and public trust. Additionally, a recent survey by the Kenya Union of Journalists (KUJ) and MCK revealed that 52% of journalists earn less than Sh50,000 per month, highlighting the financial challenges in the industry.
The program also calls for media houses to establish fact-checking desks and collaborate with independent verification organizations to prevent confusion and crises during elections. The discussion took place at the Kenya School of Government’s Mombasa campus during an event marking the International Day to End Impunity for Crimes against Journalists. The theme focused on enhancing the safety and protection mechanisms for journalists ahead of the 2027 elections.
Mudi stated that training sessions have already begun in Nakuru and will expand across all 47 counties to prepare local journalists for the national elections. The emphasis will be on ethical journalism, particularly during the election period, to counter the manipulative tactics of rogue political actors.
Francis Auma, a Mombasa-based human rights defender, praised MCK’s efforts to improve journalistic skills, noting the importance of responsible election coverage. He advocated extending the training to social media influencers and cautioned against sensationalism that could incite public unrest.
The MCK is committed to promoting ethical journalism through continuous training to address issues such as hate speech, misinformation, and fake news. The comprehensive training program will focus on accurate fact-checking and balanced political coverage, aiming to maintain peace and integrity throughout the election process.
