The Cabinet Secretary for Information, Communication and the Digital Economy, Eliud Owalo has called upon the media to continually highlight vital issues related to environmental crisis and conservation.
Owalo said the media must be a vital ally in promoting environmental sustainability given the reality of climate change, driven by human activities like excessive greenhouse gas emissions and extensive land use changes, is undeniable.
In a speech read on his behalf by Principal Secretary for Broadcasting and Telecommunication Edward Kisiang’ani during the commemoration of World Press Freedom Day and Annual Media Summit on Thursday, Owalo said that in facing an unprecedented environmental crisis, the media plays a critical role in raising awareness and highlighting public discourse for meaningful change.
The CS said that to achieve sustainable development, it was necessary for journalists to report accurately and timely on environmental issues and their consequences, as well as on possible solutions.
He s
aid by media prioritizing environmental issues in their reporting, they helped shape a national consciousness that values and actively engages in prevention of our planet.
‘Journalists have a responsibility to hold all stakeholders accountable whether it is government, industries or citizens,’ he said adding that the media’s role in educating the public about the impacts of these changes is now more important than ever.
Owalo noted that challenges like the complexity of scientific terms often lead to public misunderstanding and disinterest in matters of environmental conservation and climate change reporting.
‘It is critical for journalists to simplify this information to keep the public engaged and motivated to push for comprehensive environmental sustainability and policies,’ he said.
Owalo said the Kenyan Constitution underscores the importance of media freedom and that the government recognizes that these are fundamental rights.
‘The government encourages the media to work with us in environmental pr
eservation and efforts,’ he said adding that it is the duty of the media to recognize and call out duty bearers to improve our environment and applaud everyone contributing to a healthy environment.
The CS said the government has embarked on promoting new mitigation measures to tackle the negative effects of climate change.
‘As we leverage the influence of the press in pursuant of environmental stewardship, scribes and policy makers need to work together to illuminate the path towards a sustainable future for the planet,’ he said.
Chief Executive Officer, Media Council of Kenya David Omwoyo said that we need to have a comprehensive policy review framework to have a conducive working environment that would allow a thriving environment and prevent disruptions in the media sector.
‘The future of media is not bleak because there are strategies that can be used to guarantee their sustainability and in shaping the future of media in the country,’ he said.
He said the council in partnership with the United Nati
ons Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) held the summit to provide a platform where stakeholders converge to reflect on the role of journalism in protecting the planet.
‘With at least 300 TV stations, 200 radio stations and 9000 accredited journalists in Kenya, there is a lot more that has happened positively in the media landscape,’ he said adding that the day is dedicated to the importance of journalism and freedom of expression in the context of the current global environmental crisis.
The CEO called upon the media to establish feedback mechanisms that provide audience insight and preferences, including utilizing data analytics to understand audience behaviour and tailor content to their interest.
‘Good journalism is expensive and we need to address the challenges that hamper media sustainability in Kenya,’ he said.
The Chairman, Parliamentary Committee on Communication, Information and Innovation John Kiarie said the National Assembly is looking into creating an environment cond
ucive for media sustainability fostering a diverse and vibrant media ecosystem.
‘The government reaffirms its commitment to protecting journalists, ensuring accountability for attacks against journalists and creating recourse in cases of violations of press freedom,’ he said.
The Chief Justice and President of Supreme Court Lady Justice Martha Koome said that it was essential for journalism to move beyond just reacting to environmental crisis.
‘A proactive, thematic reporting approach that focuses on prevention, mitigation and adoption strategies is crucial in mitigating climate change,’ she said in her speech read on her behalf by Justice Gatembu Kairu.
Koome acknowledged the challenges many journalists faced including censorship, political pressure, and at times threats to personal safety and called for a collective duty to defend the freedom of the press because a free press contributes to a strong and resilient democracy.
‘The Constitution of Kenya, 2010 is fundamentally an ecological document. It ex
plores each one of us, irrespective of our profession, to embody and advance the principles of transformative environmental constitutionalism,’ she said.
The World Press Freedom Day (WPFD) celebrations are held annually on May 2. The theme for 2024 WPFD is ‘A Press for the Planet: Journalism in the Face of Environmental Crisis’.
The summit and WPFD will culminate into the 12th Annual Journalism Excellence Award (AJEA) which endeavors to recognize, acknowledge, inspire, and promote media excellence in Kenya.
Source: Kenya News Agency