The Office of the Registrar on invitation of the Media Council of Kenya (MCK), joined in sensitization fora for local based journalists in Siaya and Kisii Siaya counties held on 14th May and 19th May,2022 respectively. Participants that included media practitioners in the region, deliberated on a raft of obligations for responsible journalism ahead of the August 2022 general election.
Some of areas presented for the Office related to; mandate and functions; role of ORPP and political parties at different stages in electoral cycle; provisions as contained in the amendments to the Political Parties Act, 2011 among other topical matters.
A journalist is obliged to conduct proper research on issues and consult relevant electoral players before reporting especially at this critical time where a mere statement may elicit chaos among the electorates” noted Lucy Kemunto, who represented the Office in the forums.
Lucy Kemunto, ORPP Kisumu County Coordinator making a presentation during theMCK Journalists training forum in Siaya
Journalists and media practitioners were also guided on other topics pertaining to; ethical reporting; hate speech and conflict sensitive reporting during elections; debunking misinformation; covering of electoral opinion polls and journalists role and skill in moderating live broadcasts.
Institutions that complemented MCK and its accredited trainers in the sensitizations were; Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) and National Cohesion and Integration Commission (NCIC).
A section of participants listen in during the Hotel in Siaya County. Participants in a group photo after the forum at
Candela journalist training forum at Ufanisi Holtel in Kisii County