Journalists Urged To Be Environmental Activists Amidst Crisis

By Isabella Maua

The society has been urged to work closely with journalists and media practitioners so as to aid in the execution of their duties as the voice of wananchi and the environment.

Speaking at Kapsokwony, Mt. Elgon Sub County in Bungoma County, Assistant County Commissioner 1, Josephat Kipyator, said it’s prudent for the communities to willingly work with the journalists and provide a conducive environment for them as they carry out their day-to-day activities.

“Journalists are indeed doing a commendable job as far as this community is concerned; we encourage you to keep up with the same spirit, especially in highlighting gender-based violence cases and environmental degradation, which has become a pain in the neck lately,” noted Kipyator.

With regard to the theme of the year, ‘A Press for the Planet: Journalism in the Face of Environmental Crisis,’ Kipyator called upon all people occupying riparian lands to evacuate the premises with immediate effect before stern action is taken against them.

Media owners, who also joined the procession of journalists walking around the town centre, lauded the journalists for highlighting the plight of local wananchi, especially in governance, transparency, and accountability among politicians and other leaders.

Cherotwei Simotwo, one of the media owners of a community radio station within the Mt. Elgon region, admitted that the pay of journalists isn’t that impressive, but they are working towards better pay as they seek alternative financial channels to maintain the dignity of the profession.

“Though we understand that the economic conditions aren’t favourable at the moment, we urge you to work selflessly as human rights and environmental activists and maintain your authenticity as we manoeuvre to ensure you have a friendly working environment,” he reiterated.

Kenya Correspondents Association members from several media houses also joined other environmental activists across the Sub County and planted over 50 indigenous trees (Elgon Teak) and bamboos at Kapsokwony Primary School and Kaberua Forest in solidarity with President Ruto’s 14 million tree seedlings campaign in the year 2024.