Kenyan radio journalists on Monday gathered in the capital Nairobi to mark the annual World Radio Day celebration in an event organized by UNESCO in collaboration with local players like the Media Council of Kenya (MCK) and the Communications Authority (CA).
The event dubbed ‘Radio is You’ was officially opened by the the country’s Principal Secretary in the Ministry of Information, Communication and Technology Sammy Itemere, who emphasized on ethical journalism among the radio practitioners.
The Media Council of Kenya also reiterated the sentiments of the PS, encouraging the journalists to ensure they work to unite the community.
“Radio plays an important role in unifying any community. The radio is a powerful tool in bringing a people together, but can in the same strength cause animosity,” Victor Bwire, an official from the MCK said.
The event also gave an opportunity to various veteran radio practitioners to deliver presentations and to tell about their experience in the field of radio journalism over the years.
The radio industry in Kenya has experienced a robust growth over the past years, with the scene having seen a growth of more than 1000% in under 20 years.
In 1999, there were fewer than 10 radio stations in the East African country. In 2016, the number had grown to more than 100, a feat that was made possible by the emergence of vernacular stations all across the country.
Speakers at the Nairobi event also took the opportunity to rally journalists to ensure they perform their duties responsibly, especially as the country heads to its general election in August.
Principal Secretary in the Ministry of Information, Communication and Technology Sammy Itemere urged the practitioners and stations to ensure their trade does not cause animosity among Kenyans.
“I call upon broadcasters and broadcast stations to exercise their freedom confided to them by the constitution prudently and responsibly, especially as we prepare for the 2017 general elections,” he urged.
The World Radio Day was endorsed by the UN General Assembly in December 2012, as proposed by UNESCO, to coincide with the day United Nations Radio which was established in 1946.
