Media Council of Kenya (MCK) has expressed concerns over poor working conditions under which journalists based in the counties operate.
Speaking during a press briefing in Chuka Town, Tharaka Nithi County, MCK CEO David Omwoyo noted that they were undertaking fact-finding missions where he has so far met various journalists in the counties identifying the challenges.
He said that most journalists lacked a standard remuneration formula, adequate working space, and were affected by the recent closure of many media house bureau offices that previously provided such spaces
He said that some were now working in very unsuitable and unsafe places such as hotels, bars and court corridors, forcing some of them to come together to cost share rent for small offices.
“This has increased the burden they already face with the limited income they get posing a great challenge in creating and disseminating credible content to members of the public,” he added.
Omwoyo said that the Council was working towards establishing additional media hubs at the counties to provide the journalists with a conducive environment to work from while at the same time share ideas, make collaborations, refine stories and produce quality content that they can earn from.
He called upon other stakeholders like the government and other entities to partner with them and support this initiative acknowledging the critical role journalists play in keeping the society informed and promoting democracy.
He was speaking after a meeting with journalists in Tharaka Nithi where he aured them of MCK’s commitment in supporting journalists in the county as well as strengthening their capacity to serve the nation effectively.
Tharaka Nithi Press Club Chairman Alex Njeru welcomed the remarks and commended MCK for their outreach in the grassroots where journalists in the past have felt neglected.
“We are happy that MCK has come out to actively assist journalists in the counties and as a club we can attest that we have felt their support,” said Alex.
He emphasized the importance of all the journalists to be accredited, therefore being recognized as members of Council which would guarantee free and safe operations as they carry out their duties.
He called for unity among journalists working in the counties to ensure they succeed in achieving professional economical, social and academical growth.