|
Getting your Trinity Audio player ready...
|
By Gideon Mutembei
Nairobi, Kenya: Speaking at a Nairobi hotel during the Commemoration of the International Day for Universal Access to Information, Media Council of Kenya (MCK) Board Chairperson Maina Muiruri reaffirmed the organization’s dedication to advancing transparency as a vital foundation for protecting information integrity in today’s digital landscape.
He highlighted that ensuring public access to reliable information provides a key defense against information disorder, which readily expands whenever trustworthy sources are absent.
“Access to information is one of our most effective safeguards against information disorder which becomes a challenge in the absence of credible information” said Maina.
The event brought together diverse stakeholders across the information ecosystem, featuring delegates from state entities including the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC), the Commission for Administration of Justice, and the Office of the Registrar of Political Parties. Other notable attendees represented academic institutions, the Kenya Union of Journalists, and the Kenya Editors Guild.
Information integrity in the digital era was pointed out as the main challenge as the Country is heading to a Political season where misinformation spreads faster than it can be corrected, digital platforms.
Built to connect us can also create echo chambers that reinforce what we already believe instead of confronting us with is true. It was at this point all information stakeholders were urged to ensure the quality of information, not just information.
“Strengthening of journalistic capacity for election coverage throughout the newly revised guidelines on Election Coverage and the accompanying trainers manual remains the Media council responsibility”, says Dinnah Ondari Manager Media Monitoring and research Media Council of Kenya.
Adding “Safeguarding information integrity is not the Councils responsibility alone, Media houses must uphold professional standards, and Government Institutions must provide timely and verifiable information, civil society must promote accountability and public awareness while Citizens must question, verify and share information responsibly, we must hold the same line together to make truth freely accessible to all and it must remain our strongest defense against the disorder threatening to define this digital age”, Dinnah explained.
During Panel discussion it was pointed out that the truth by the Media is competing with twisted Political Narrative, fabricated content and the speed with which social media is sharing unverified information.
“There is an urgent need to act on hate speech and disinformation which is expected to spread rapidly with the use of Artificial intelligence, this calls for alertness from us all” said Dr. Grace Githaiga Chief Executive Officer and Convener, KICTANet.
The Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission Compliance officer Crispine Owiye representing the Commission’s Chairperson, said Article 35 of our Constitution is not a mere legislation, any Kenyan is free to walk into IEBC Centre and ask for information regarding election arrangement without being required to book an appointment saying they operate on an open door policy.
