By Sharon Kiburi
Members of the Fourth Estate recently congregated at a Nairobi hotel to discuss issues of their welfare. On the onset, Journalists are seen as the voice of the voiceless but the question that has been left unanswered is do Journalists require someone to be their voice and look out for their interest?
There has been a dire need to ensure a good working environment for Journalists, to ensure that they carry their duties effectively, without worrying about their job security and low remuneration.
Internews regional Director for Africa programs Brice Rambaud stated: “The welfare of journalist is of interest to the whole profession of journalism, Journalists risk their lives all the time to tell the stories of others hence it is critical for them to be secure as they serve others.” Adding “In a country that is facing tough economic challenges and job security is often a huge predicament for many members of the press. It is important to strengthen the media association in the country to grow the capacity of the journalism industry”.
Echoing the sentiments was Kenya Union of Journalists, Secretary-General, Eric Oduor emphasized on Journalists to be responsible not only by reading the employment laws saying “Journalists are workers despite the fact that often they fight for other peoples rights. It is saddening to see that the society has adopted it to be the norm when journalists are attacked in press conferences or during story coverage.”
Eric was emphasizing the role of Unions in the Media industry noting “KUJ strives to ensure that journalists are provided with a conducive working environment for them to diligently perform their duties. This should include the offering of contracts as with clear indication of the terms of engagements, facilitation to and from venues, paid salaries on time, health care, paid leave days and many benefits as stipulated in the Journalism CBAs.”
With limited financial abilities among the media based organizations, partnerships would offer lasting solutions especially among victims of harassment and illegal terminations “Our financial capability is sometimes limited that is why we welcome partnerships so that we can continue helping on welfare issues of journalists ” Eric said
Kathleen Openda, a veteran journalist pointed out how young journalists get excited when hired and don’t look into their welfare agreements, a case she cited was common even during her working days “When I started working, I was excited and issues of remuneration were not important”.
She noted paramount affairs pertaining to employment rights and insurance were not a matter of concern until she became a parent and it was too late by then. The terms of the agreement that they had were too stifling and did little to promote the actual content producers. Joining the Union then was saving grace to many journalists.
“It is very clear that when the welfare of journalist is considered, Content production and reporting will be done with the write decorum. It could by extension even to eradicate the purported corruption in the newsrooms and reporting.” Kathleen said
The forum organized by the Media Council of Kenya (MCK) in conjunction with The Kenya Union of Journalists (KUJ) and with the support of Internews Kenya, brought together media stakeholders and Journalists from various parts of the Counties to discuss their welfare in the course of duty.
