IEBC AND KMSWG HOLD FORUM ON STRENGTHENING MEDIA PARTICIPATION IN RESULT MANAGEMENT DURING THE 2022 GENERAL ELECTIONS IN KENYA.
AMWIK attended a consultative workshop convened by the Kenya Editors Guild(KEG) and The Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) in Kwale county on access to information and strengthening the media’s participation in results management of the general election.
The engagement brought together editors from various media houses, IEBC members and commissioners, members of the Kenya Media Sector Working Group, civil society organizations, and other key stakeholders actively involved in the electoral process. On March 4th 2022, IEBC and the Kenya Media Sector Working Group (KMSWG) signed an MOU which among other things granted journalists access to electoral information through an established media center to act as a link between IEBC and the media.
The purpose of the MoU includes capacity building, enhancing the delivery of factual, credible, and verifiable information to the public; promoting access to electoral activities including tallying centers and polling stations; providing resource persons on electoral laws, regulations, and processes among others. IEBC will also provide a real-time portal for the media to access election results to enhance transparency and accountability and prevent disinformation and misinformation.
Speaking during the event, IEBC Chair, Wafula Chebukati stressed the importance of the media as an overseer of society, terming it ‘The voice of the people.’ “We cannot do it on our own, we need the media to work with us as they are our watchdogs, eye, and ears. People trust you, and would like to hear what you are saying.” He added.
Juliana Cherera, Vice Chair, IEBC noted that the commission was committed to giving access to electoral information and expects media to be factual, ethical, and professional in their reporting. The partnership is key because the Commission needs to deliver a free, fair, credible, and transparent election. The Commission fully recognizes the Constitution which gives the media independence to report results to the public.
By Zahrah Mohammed- Intern, AMWIK