By Our Reporter
The Meru Press Club led journalists in celebrating the World Press Freedom Day, 2023 amid calls for enhanced access to information from the county government.
Journalists gathered at the Meru Press Club Media Centre and deliberated on the highs and lows experienced in the last one year.
Meru County has one of the highest concentration of media houses in the country leading to a high number of journalists.
Speaking during the celebrations, Meru Press Club Chairperson David Muchui lauded journalists for withstanding a myriad of challenges to perform their role in the society.
He cited the county government led by Governor Kawira Mwangaza for lack of a substantive director of communication leading to disconnect between the media and the administration.
“The governor has severally reiterated her commitment to accountability but the media remains locked out. It is too difficult to access information or clarification from the Meru County executive. In fact, the communication department in the office of the governor has been disabled,” Mr. Muchui said
The journalists appealed to the governor to hire a communications director and empower members of the executive to respond to inquiries from the media.
“The governor also holds monthly press briefings, a commendable move, but journalists are never invited. What is this press briefing without the press?” the chairman posed.
Further, the journalists noted that the economic difficulties facing the industry have affected more than 50 journalists while others were surviving on peanuts.
“Journalists continue to work under harsh environment where labour rights and welfare are disregarded. Following the effects of Covid-19 pandemic, media houses are struggling to remain afloat.”
He added, “This has adverse effects on the independence of journalists. There is therefore a need for a conversation among industry players on how to improve the welfare of media personnel.”
Ms Dorcas Mbatia, the Vice chairperson noted that many journalists were suffering from mental health issues due to the economic difficulties facing the industry.
“We urge employers to pay their journalists on time. We have seen incidents where journalists end up committing suicide or slide into drug and substance abuse due to financial problems,” she said.
Journalists were also challenged to adhere to the code of conduct for the practice of journalism to remain credible.
The Meru Press Club is also on the frontline in empowering journalists through welfare support, training and investment opportunities.
