The Editors Guild in cooperation with German Agency for International Cooperation (GIZ) are working on developing a Training Module for journalists in the country to ease Climate Change reporting.
Editors Guild President Ms Zubeda Kananu said Climate Change Phenomenon is a new aspect in newsrooms and has posed a major challenge when it comes to debunking of factual information about Climate Change to Kenyans.
Addressing a forum that brought together Journalists and Editors from various parts of the country that was conducted in Nairobi, Ms Kananu noted that Kenyans highly depend on the media for information and other informative discussions and engagements, adding that misrepresentation of facts will not impact positive actions for the communities to indulge in Climate Change mitigations.
She disclosed that apart from the Module being beneficial to journalists who will be trained on how to better impart the right information to their vast audiences countrywide, it will also be used in Journalism institutions so that students pursuing journalism can understand all aspects about Climate Change and mitigation measures even before they start practicing.
“Some people think that Climate Change is all about planting trees, no, this aspect is wide and highly depends on how journalists will impart the right information to Kenyans, so that it is an all-inclusive action to mitigate the wrath of climate change,” Said the Standard Group Editor.
Ms Kananu noted that Kenya has experienced a very unpredictable weather situation, thus challenging even the government in it’s planning and disaster preparedness and management efforts and initiatives.
“We have seen severe droughts, heavy rains and floods and recently we were shocked to witness strong winds in the Coast region, the Tropical Cyclone Ialy blowing from South to North and which caused at least two deaths in Kilifi County. These strange happenings are all as a result of Climate Change,” She further disclosed.
The calm, calculated KTN News Swahili News Anchor, said when Kenyans are well informed about Climate Change aspects at the very grassroots level, they will stop polluting their own environment and fully participate in curtailing the effects of Climate Change.
She also urged female journalists to take the lead role and venture into Climate Change reporting and not leaving the critical role to be dominated by their male colleagues.
“We are currently working with GIZ, the government and other partners to ensure these efforts of Climate Change information, education and participation reaches the very rural parts of our country,” added the Kenya’s Editors Guild President.
