Government media regulatory body Media Council of Kenya (MCK) has urged journalists in the country to leverage on technology so that they monetize their vast content.
MCK Director of Media training and Development Victor Bwire said technology has provided adequate space for journalists to use their skills and creativity so that they can earn from various digital platforms available.
Addressing journalists in Mombasa during the launch of Mombasa Press Club, Mr Bwire said journalists are the critical tool of solving their own problems, further urging them never to relent on such noble course.
He discouraged journalists from taking handouts from sources asking them to be objective enough and embrace technology so that they reap from the ever evolving media industry.
“Through the Press clubs and Media hubs being launched by MCK, we will train journalists on how to monetise their content to enable them earn money in a professional manner. The biggest business for any journalist is content, if you don’t sell what you produce how will you earn?” Bwire told the journalists.
MCK has opened 13 Press clubs and four Media hubs countrywide.
Vibrancy
Bwire noted that Kenya is internationally recognised country with the most vibrant media industry, competing with African countries among them Nigeria and South Africa.
The MCK official further called for unity among journalists so thay they help each other grow.
Mombasa Governor Abdulswamad Sharif Nassir who graced the event as the Chief guest, appealed to the media fraternity to be patriotic and work with the county leadership for the growth of both parties and the larger society.
“We have had fair share of challenges and achievements as a county. It will be a noble course if you highlight such strides in our stories,” Nassir appealed.
On his part, Mombasa Deputy Governor Francis Thoya challenged journalists to value professionalism calling for indepth analysis and being factual while debunking their stories.
He lauded the formation of press clubs and media hubs saying they will unite journalists to have shared values.
“I used to talk about problems facing Mombasa through my pen when I was a journalist. Many years ago, but I now sit on the side of those supposed to solve such problems,” said Mr Thoya.
Kenya Maritime Authority (KMA) Board of directors Chairperson Hamisi Mwaguya reiterated the need for professionalism as he pledged the support of KMA in covering Blue Economy and Maritime affairs stories.
Technology
Also, present during the launch was SwahiliPot Hub Founder and renowned youth mentor Mahmoud Noor who emphasized the need for journalists to embrace new technology, cautioning that with the ever evolving technology journalists may be locked out from various opportunities.
Noor urged journalists to practice high levels of professionalism, truth and independence so that they earn public trust.
“The biggest challenge is when people are hustling not knowing how they will survive the next day and there is somebody trying to convince them to write a story in their favor to earn something. That is why the Press club is key in safeguarding the welfare of journalists, empower them and instill indepence,” said Mr Noor.
The MCK launched Kwale and Kilifi Press clubs recently with the Coast getting its first Media hub in Malindi, Kilifi county where journalists will be developing and working on their content.
The giant Mombasa Press club with over 80 registered journalists, will be spearheaded by Omar Abdallah as its Chairperson who will be deputised by KBC Channel 1, Coast region reporter Juney Karisa. Coast based Star Newspaper reporter Fredrick Onyango was appointed the Secretary and who will be deputised by Mombasa based Radio kaya reporter Taalia Kwekwe. Eastleigh Voice Newspaper, Coast Lead Farhiya Hussein is the Organisations’ Treasurer with Laban Walloga, The Star Newspaper Coast based photojournalist being the Organising Secretary.