Media Owners Urged to Train Journalist on Conflict Sensitive Reporting
Veteran journalist Wanyama Wa Chebusiri now wants media houses to train their journalist on conflict-sensitive reporting.
He says this will ensure that journalists are equipped with skills and knowledge that will help them report objectively.
“As we head to the 2022 general elections I want to call upon media owners to train their journalists on conflict-sensitive reporting, this will help them report in a manner that will not fuel conflicts,” said Wanyama Wa Chebusiri while speaking to the press during the training of journalist that was sponsored by Fin Church Aid.
Chebusiri said the training will enable journalists to carryout out their journalistic works in a professional manner owing to the fact that the general elections are just around the corner and that journalists play a major role in either escalating or reducing conflict.
“We were sharing skills on interviewing skills, how best journalist can hold to account leaders that are likely to make outrageous statements that might not auger well with peace and tranquility, its is one training that is geared towards ensuring the Country realizes peace and journalists play role in ensuring we have a peaceful election and democracy is enhanced,” Chebusiri added.
Over35 journalists from Uasin Gishu, West Pokot, Baringo Nandi and Uasin Gishu Counties were in attendance.
“I want to thank Fin Church Aid for taking this initiative to train these journalists, this is the second training which is a good gesture towards empowering journalists and I want to call upon other organizations whether they are media houses or the government to ensure they invest in journalism training even beyond elections,” he said.
“I also call upon the members of the public to always air their problem to a journalist since they are the voice to the voiceless and they can air their problems and get an immediate response,” he added
Umuro Sora from Fin Church Aid thanked the members of the press who took part in conflict reporting since its important because they have been given an opportunity to acquire new skills regarding how they will work in conflict-prone areas.
“We are in an electioneering period and there is a need for a journalist to make sure that they practice their watchdog role. Journalists need to understand that reporting is the first step in conflict resolution and whatever they are reporting and what they cover should not increase conflict but resolve in this particular areas,” he said.
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