Be objective when reporting on election, UNDP tells media

Local journalists have accused some media owners and editors of favouring certain political divides.

They say this has adversely affected media freedom and hindered objective reporting.

"Sometimes, however good or balanced stories they submit, they don't get published. Which is also dangerous for the country," TV-47 reporter Willy Njeru said.

The journalists spoke during a five-day United Nations Development Programme training in Nakuru on Sunday.

Njeru said some candidates affiliated with certain political parties are given shallow media coverage, almost blackout, while others receive maximum publicity, which does not portray fair journalism.

He said there were embarrassing situations where some regional journalists are forced to hide, for fear of their lives because of the political inclination taken by their media houses.

The Star newspaper Nandi correspondent Barry Salil said sometimes journalists fear losing their jobs if they dare raise the issue of killing stories.

"Media owners and editors seem to enjoy the right to determine who or not to be aired or published, although the law supports responsible journalism," he said.

The UNDP is currently engaging some 300 journalists drawn from across eight regions.

UNDP resident representative Mandisa Mashologu said the training aims at harmonising knowledge, enhancing capacities and strengthening good practices.

It also aims at fostering a collaborative and responsible reporting approach before, during and after general elections.

Mashologu urged media owners, editors and regional journalists to observe professionalism during this electioneering period.

In her speech read by the group governance programme analyst Joan Vwamu, she said the training contributes to the national efforts of fostering a conducive environment for a peaceful election.

Mashologu said Kenya's 2007-08 post-election violence, which left more than a thousand dead, thousands displaced and property destroyed was partly linked to media incitements and insensitive reporting inclined on tribal lines.

She said the media should be fair, objective and balanced in reporting unfolding events before, during and after the August polls.

The official however praised the essential role played by the media practitioners.

"We are confident that you will continue reporting in a responsible, conflict-sensitive, and gender-sensitive fashion as your vocation and your service to the nation demands.

“Let Peace Win campaign aim to strengthen messaging for civic engagement and peace during the electioneering period," she said.

Among other partners focusing on fair reporting are the European Union, the Federal Republic of Germany, the United Kingdom, the Republic of Italy, and the Republic of Ireland.

"Our partnerships with the state and non-state actors as well as development partners are being fruitful, with tangible results that demonstrate our commitment to advancing Sustainable Development Goals," Mashologu said.

Among the listed key partners during the election period are the IEBC, Ministry of Devolution, Office of the Registrar of Political Parties, National Youth Council, National Gender and Equality Commission and Media Council of Kenya.

Also Kenya National Commission of Human Rights, Judiciary Committee on Election, Political Parties Disputes Tribunal, Kenya Judiciary Academy, National Cohesion and Integration Commission and National Steering Committee on Peacebuilding.

Mashologu further commended the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission for the progress made regarding the implementation of the Elections Operation Plan ahead of the polls.

The IEBC said the ballot materials are secure and the coming election will be free and fair.

"All our polling stations have been gazetted and security officers man up to a 400 metres radius. There is no possibility of anyone stealing, photocopying materials or rigging the results" Bomet Returning Officer Hillary Kombe said.

Nakuru election manager Joseph Kelly said anything marked or done outside the designated polling stations is illegal and is treated as an offense, culprits shall face the law.

He said as a commission they are committed to abiding by the law throughout the exercise so as to let the democratic will of the people prevail.

(Edited by Bilha Makokha)