MCK Promotes Journalists’ Role in Climate Reporting

 

 

The Media Council of Kenya (MCK) has urged journalists to focus on accurate, inclusive and human-centred reporting on climate change. This approach, the Council says, will boost public awareness, reduce vulnerability and enhance community resilience.

MCK Nakuru Regional Coordinator Joseph Mecha highlighted journalists’ crucial role in enabling citizens to address climate-related threats through timely and factual reporting.

“Adapting to climate change is a practical necessity. Well-informed communities can reduce vulnerability and build resilience. The media empowers people to tackle both current and future climate challenges,” he stated at a journalists’ sensitisation forum in Nakuru.

Mr Mecha stressed the importance of ongoing training to improve climate communication, noting that inclusive reporting amplifies community voices and shapes policy responses.

Twaweza Communications Programmes Manager Mary Wanjau shared that the organisation collaborates with community radio stations across five Nakuru sub-counties to raise climate change awareness at the grassroots level.

“These platforms are accessible to local communities and effective for sharing adaptation messages. We are committed to supporting journalists with training and resources to elevate environmental reporting,” she said.

Nakuru County Chief Officer for Water, Environment, Energy, and Natural Resources Kennedy Mungai reaffirmed the County Government’s commitment to providing journalists with data and expert insights.

“The media is a vital partner in environmental communication. We are open to providing information, whether it’s data, expert opinions, or details on county initiatives,” he said.

Mr Mungai added that the County Government is eager to work with local media, especially community stations, to advance conservation and climate resilience efforts.

Ng’ang’a Mbugua, Editor at *Nairobi Law Monthly* and training facilitator, encouraged journalists to weave human-interest stories into climate reporting and use clear, accessible language.

“Climate change is a human story. Go beyond facts to connect emotionally with audiences and inspire action. Use simple language to ensure the message resonates with all,” he advised.

He warned against over-relying on artificial intelligence tools, emphasising the need for fact-checking and credible sources to uphold journalistic integrity.

The forum, organised by the Media Council of Kenya in partnership with Twaweza Communications, is part of ongoing efforts to strengthen journalistic capacity in climate reporting and promote solution-focused storytelling.

This initiative follows a courtesy visit by Twaweza Communications to the MCK Nakuru regional office, which convened journalists, academics, and stakeholders dedicated to advancing public discourse on climate change.

June 18, 2025