Media practitioners have been urged to enhance the watchdog role in counties and national governments for effective service delivery and transparency.
Kisumu Senator Tom Ojienda said the media should do more to oversight counties and inform the public on matters of governance.
“The media should not turn into the governor's press service but must put the county administrations to task to ensure public funds are prudently used,” Ojienda said.
The senator pointed out that the public cannot know all that happens in the counties if the media practitioners are silent.
“Journalist practice should exercise responsible journalism. They should work closely with the public to tell success stories as well as unearthing any corruption activities in the counties,” Ojienda said.
Ojienda was speaking during the Lake Region Media E-Conference 2022 organised by DW Akademie Alumni (KE) on Friday.
He said journalism is important in the development of democratic processes in society.
“As a watchdog, the media have the responsibility to help guard the public interest, ensuring accountability of powerful decision makers,” Ojienda said.
The senior counsel told the media to highlight cases of maladministration and corruption with the aim of strengthening the transparency and effective governance.
He urged for increased awareness of persistent social problems, helping to turn public attention to matters of common interest and inform governing officials on social needs and the international community on the development challenges.
Ojienda commended the media houses for being steadfast in creating awareness amongst the public on the election.
“The media played a very crucial role in sensitising citizens on the importance of voting and electing the right leaders to represent them,” he said.
He pledged his commitment to championing media freedom by sponsoring legislative reform on any issues that require legislative intervention.
“I will rally players in the justice sector to investigate and prosecute the complaints that have been brought on various crimes against journalists, especially in relation to elections," he said.
Ojienda pointed out that the freedom of the press was crucial in enhancing democracy in the country.
