By Elizabeth Angira, DevReporter, Kisii County
In most cases when chaos erupts journalists are vulnerable given the nature of their work as the eyes of the community with the responsibility of updating the public on what is going on. Much attention should be paid to their security.
Societies rely upon public interest journalism for their supply of current information and knowledge.
Journalists should not have to fear being attacked for doing their jobs.
Challenges
Among the security issues to be considered include digital security such as trolling and cyber bullying, threats, intimidation digital intrusion by online users, misinformation and misrepresentation that has since led to the emergence of fake news.
Measures put in place to safeguard journalists
- Facts checking of information
- Empowerment
- Subscription to professional bodies
- Secure gadgets
Facts checking of information
Kisii County Commander Mr Francis Kooli advises Journalists to always verify the source of the information they get especially from bloggers and citizen journalism as well as any other multimedia platforms while at the same time keeping looking out for their security in the field.
“It is important that as people look for information especially during his elections period, they should ensure to get information from credible and professional sources, in this case accredited journalists, that is why it is important to help build their capacities to provide factual information”.
Mr Kooli further says that journalists should report any kind of threats, abuses and many other forms of insecurity issues.
Empowerment
Mr Kooli cites that training is important for empowering journalists so as to ensure that they get information that would help them be of better service to their country by covering elections in an effective and fair manner.
Gusii Scribes Association chair, Mr Joshua Araka says that it is advisable for journalist to subscribe to professional groups that would help in empowering them, more so through targeted trainings.
“We have witnessed in most cases when journalists are being attacked, the professional groups jump in to fight for their rights,” he says.
Journalists are also encouraged to always secure their communication gadgets to avoid unnecessary tracking by crooks or surveillance from the state.
Advice
Mr Kooli also advises media houses who have not provided safety gears to the journalist to do so while also ensuring that they follow the correct procedure in doing so.
Gusii scribes Association vice chairperson Rosemary Mong’ina says that Journalists should seek insurance covers from their employers and urged news stringers to have personal insurance even from NHIF.
Kisii County based journalist calls upon other organizations to continue empowering them
On their part, Media Council of Kenya (MCK) has been training journalist on how to cover and fact check information during the electioneering period. To do this, MCK is using the training manual for election coverage and the guidelines for election coverage, which launched early this year.
