The Media Council of Kenya (MCK) has underpinned the importance of training to promote access to information.
MCK Chief Executive Officer David Omwoyo has said that training communication officers based in county assemblies will facilitate journalists’ work and hence promote press freedom.
“The relationship between the media and the county government is very critical, this is in line with the Council’s mandate in enhancing press freedom and access to information,” Omwoyo said while meeting officials from County Assemblies Forum.
He further noted some of the challenges faced by communication officers working in the county assemblies and called for collaboration.
“The Council is aware of the challenges faced. We have a curriculum in place and trainers who will assist with the technical bit. We will also seek partnerships with other stakeholders to implement the process,” he added.
Information flow in county governments
County Assemblies Forum CEO Lorna Lesom highlighted that the partnership is aimed at bridging the gap in information flow in the county government which has posed a challenge on access to information.
“There is a gap in access to information in county governments. Communication officers suffer from insufficient to lack of properly packaged information in the counties,” she asserted.
Lesom also echoed that the training will not only spell out basics of access to information but also how to enhance it in the counties.
In addition, the Chairman, Communications and Public Relations Officers for the 47 County Assemblies Ponciano Odongo, emphasised that the training will open up avenues for good and open governance that is transparent and accountable.
