• It is aimed at enhancing capacity for a more effective media reporting on complex anti-corruption and governance matters in the country.
• The workshop, which is the first in a series to be implemented in a phased approach, has drawn journalists from Nairobi and selected counties in the coast region.
Image: KEG/X
Journalists are set to undergo a three-day workshop on corruption and governance issues.
The training has been organised by the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) in partnership with the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) and the Crime Journalists Association of Kenya (CJAK).
It is supported through the Programme for Legal Empowerment and Aid Delivery (PLEAD II) partnership which is funded by the EU and implemented by UNODC.
It is aimed at strengthening the role of the media as a critical player in the promotion of good governance and the rule of law in Kenya.
The same will be held at Mombasa from Wednesday, November 22 to Friday, November 24.
The workshop, which is the first in a series to be implemented in a phased approach, has drawn journalists from Nairobi and selected counties in the coast region.
It has targeted journalists whose duties involve reporting on court matters, corruption and good governance issues.
In attendance will be Head of Public Service Felix Koskei, EACC CEO Twalib Mbarak, Media Council of Kenya CEO David Omwoyo and EACC Spokesperson Eric Ngumbi.
Others are Media Personnel Linus Kaikai, Joe Ageyo, Wellington Nyongesa, Ben Kitili, Ken Mijungu, Sam Gituku among other journalists, EACC and UNODC officers.
Justice Nixon Sifuna will also be in attendance.
Koskei is expected to officially open the workshop where over 65 journalists are to be trained.
Among the topics of discussion include the role of EACC, the role of crime and governance journalists and ways of enhancing the same, and the role of the judiciary in taming corruption, unethical practices and impunity in the country.
The training comes two months after Mbarak and EACC chairperson Bishop David Oginde urged the media to help in the fight against corruption.
Addressing the press on September 13, Mbarak said journalists were better placed to help considering their role in the country.
"Give us support in terms of coverage. Do not just praise us. Critic us. They say akupendaye hukwambia ukweli," he said then.
Mbarak said the commission in focusing on asset recovery could use the media's help through investigative reporting.
He also noted EACC's focus on lifestyle auditing, which is roughly a study of a person's living standards of an individual to see if it is consistent with their reported income.
"Please help us with the coverage," Mbarak told the media.
On his part, Oginde urged the media to take advantage of its oversight role in governance and strive to expose and stigmatise corrupt conduct.
"They should also integrate integrity in their programming and shape narratives that advance the fight against corruption," he said.
He urged the media to help create awareness of the impact of corruption on citizens.
"It needs to be brought to light, especially by our media. Just educate people on the connection between corruption and the challenges we face as a country," Bishop Oginde said.