Kenya editors see “big responsibility” after elections

Editors in Kenya have spoken of their anguish for being unable to do more to halt violence that erupted after disputed elections in December and see themselves playing a critical role in the healing and reconciliation process now underway.

“As editors, we have a big responsibility, collectively and individually … we have to use our experience to promote better relationships in our country,” Mr. Wangethi Mwangi, Editorial Director of the Nation Media Group, told a meeting of the Editors’ Guild in the Kenyan capital Nairobi 6 March 2008

“We will stand indicted for the things that we could have done but did not do,” Mr Mwangi said. He spoke of editorial biases in some newsrooms, broadcast of hate messages mainly by vernacular community FM stations, and a failure by media groups to ensure safety of their journalists.

A political settlement was brokered in Kenya and a power-sharing agreement signed on 28 February 2008. Mr Mwangi said that the reform agenda encapsulated in that deal meant a massive task for media in Kenya in the coming months.

The Guild meeting was supported by the Commonwealth Secretariat, as part of its engagement in Kenya where it has pledged to provide assistance for reform of the electoral commission, the constitution and other desired changes.

Mr. Joseph Odindo, Group Managing Editor at the Nation, said the violence had challenged Kenya’s traditional way of news coverage and use of pictures and editors now wondered whether they should have used more graphic pictures to shock politicians to action.

Mr. Douglas Okwatch, Associate Editor at the Standard Newspapers, said he wanted media owners to play a bigger role in reducing the ethnic divide in newsrooms, and accepting to carry an agenda that unified and promoted Kenya’s interests as a country.

Mr. Manoah Esipisu, Deputy Spokesperson at the Commonwealth Secretariat, said the organization stood ready to assist country meet its reform agenda goals, and would particularly support the media in its efforts to deliver in the post-agreement arena.

The Guild was also addressed by Professor Allan Thomson of Carleton University Canada, who urged the editors to act to improve safety, health, and other working conditions for journalists as part of their commitment to lifting standards.

“Training in basic skills, political analysis, conflict resolution, and hostile environment will be necessary to equip journalists better to deal with the challenges ahead,” Professor Thomson said.

On 5 March 2008, Canadian High Commissioner in Kenya Ross Hynes told a conflict management course, convened by the Commonwealth Secretariat and attended by 40 journalists, that the media must remain “determined and courageous” in reporting events in Kenya.

“The future of Kenya’s democracy depends on an independent media that plays a key role in informing the public on political activities and negotiations going on in order to help build a stronger and democratic Kenya for future generations,” he said.

Secretariat Links:

• Commonwealth Media Development Fund
• Country Profile: Kenya