The Media Council of Kenya (MCK) has renewed its commitment to deepen collaborations between the media and anti-corruption bodies in a bid to enhance transparency and integrity in Kenya’s governance. During a consultative forum held in Nairobi, MCK CEO David Omwoyo emphasized the media’s critical role in combating corruption, through investigative journalism and public awareness campaigns.
Addressing the gathering at the EACC-Kenya Editors’ Guild (KEG) consultative forum, Omwoyo stated that media professionals—editors, journalists, and media executives—play a vital role in shaping public opinion and influencing the fight against corruption. He noted that effective partnerships between the media and anti-corruption agencies are essential to ensuring that corruption is exposed and that public trust in governance is restored.
“Today’s gathering brings together individuals who are at the forefront of shaping Kenya’s future—editors who influence public opinion, CEOs who drive institutional integrity, and anti-corruption leaders who work tirelessly to protect public resources,” Omwoyo said. He further underlined the importance of unity in the fight against corruption, stressing that both the media and anti-corruption bodies share a responsibility in tackling this deep-rooted issue.
Omwoyo also addressed the growing challenge of misinformation, warning that fake news and disinformation pose significant threats to media credibility. He urged media stakeholders to allocate more resources to fact-checking and ensure that ethical reporting remains at the core of media practices.
“The rise of cloned headlines and fake news presenters reading fabricated stories only undermines trust in the media. We must allocate more resources to fact-checking and ensure that accurate, ethical reporting remains at the heart of our media practices,” he said.
A key part of Omwoyo's address was the call for a media sustainability fund to support anti-corruption initiatives. He highlighted that investigative journalism—crucial for exposing corruption—often faces financial limitations. "The media’s ability to expose corruption and enforce accountability hinges on financial muscle. Investigative journalism is key, but cash shortages hold it back. We must explore bold funding ideas to fuel accountability reporting without compromising media freedom,” Omwoyo stated.
Kenya Editors Guild President Zubeida Koome echoed Omwoyo’s sentiments, emphasizing the need for collective action in the fight against corruption. “The media must remain resolute in upholding ethical reporting and holding powerful institutions to account,” she said.
EACC CEO Abdi Mohamud reiterated the essential role of the media in the fight against corruption, noting that it is a battle that cannot be won by anti-graft agencies alone. “The media plays an essential role in exposing corruption, and it is through your collective efforts that stolen assets can be recovered and returned to the public for the common good,” he said.
EACC Chairperson Dr. David Oginde also emphasized the importance of asset recovery in the battle against corruption. He explained that removing the financial incentives for corruption is key to dismantling these crimes. "It is crucial that journalists not only report on corruption but also follow up on the recovery of stolen assets, ensuring they are safeguarded from further misappropriation,” Oginde added.
The forum also explored the idea of establishing a media sustainability fund, potentially financed by a portion of recovered corruption proceeds, to support investigative journalism. Participants discussed the challenges faced by investigative reporters, including legal threats, limited access to data, and the need for stronger protections for journalists covering corruption cases.
The gathering underscored the importance of a structured partnership between the media and anti-corruption agencies to reinforce the media’s vital role as a watchdog in society, strengthen accountability, and support the fight against corruption in Kenya.
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