By KPC Reporter
Journalists, communication officers, media students and scholars convened for a one day training on access to information, fact checking and financial literacy at Kisii University.
The event, organized by the Media Council of Kenya (MCK), sought to reinforce ethical journalism, equip media practitioners with emerging newsroom tools, and strengthen the link between county communication offices and the public.
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Victor Bwire, MCK’s Director of Training and head of the delegation, reminded participants of the constitutional obligation to uphold the right to access information.
Citing Article 35 of the Kenyan Constitution, Bwire emphasized that both public institutions and journalists must play active roles in ensuring information flows freely and accurately.
“It’s not enough to report; journalists must verify and fact-check to avoid misleading the public,” Bwire said.
“Conversely, county governments must stop sitting on vital information meant for the people they serve. It is a constitutional right, not a favour.”
Bwire’s remarks echoed the constitutional requirement that every citizen has the right “to access information held by the state” and that the state “shall publish and publicize any important information affecting the nation.”
He challenged county communication officers to become champions of transparency, not gatekeepers of public data.
Evans Teddy, MCK’s Kisumu Regional Coordinator, advised journalists to adopt a culture of saving and investing.
“Many journalists live paycheck to paycheck. It’s time we rethink our relationship with money and adopt long-term financial discipline,” he urged, stressing that empowered journalists are better positioned to pursue independent, impactful reporting.
Jacob Nyongesa, a Senior Officer Researcher at the Council, led a session on media innovation.
He introduced participants to emerging tools in journalism, including fact-checking technologies and Artificial Intelligence (AI), which are fast reshaping how news is gathered and presented.
“AI can work as a partner in your newsroom,” Nyongesa noted.
“When used ethically, it improves speed, depth, and the reach of your reporting.”
Participants included university students and lecturers from Kisii University’s School of Information Sciences, as well as practicing journalists and editors from local and regional media houses.
The communication officers present are employees of the County Government of Homa Bay, which has positioned itself as a county of endless potential.
They lauded the MCK for demystifying issues of access to information and highlighting tools available to combat disinformation and professional burnout.
The meeting also served as a bridge between media professionals and county communication departments, with a call for collaborative storytelling, data-sharing, and joint training sessions.
