Rise of fake news and safety of journalists are critical concerns in Kenya today as the country prepares for next year’s General-Election.

The concerns came to the fore during a media stakeholders meeting organised by Media Council of Kenya (MCK) in preparations of the polls.

Participants who spoke at the meeting, among them MCK officials,  expressed concerns over rise of fake news.

The debate was sparked by Kenya Union of Journalists Secretary-General Eric Oduor who noted that the issue of safety of journalists should be a priority.

“We will not allow violence against journalists to thrive. We will make sure that such people are barred from participating in the elections,” said Oduor.

He said it is important for relevant authorities to ensure that journalists are safe while in their line of duty. Oduo’s comments were echoed by other speakers who challenged the media to ensure that reporting is accurate.

Government spokesperson Cyrus Oguna said media framing of topics plays a critical role on a number of issues in the country.

“Journalists have a critical role to play. Your pen becomes the weapon to protect this country. Whatever you report, what are the consequences that will follow,?” said Oguna.

He challenged the media to ensure that the information that they relay to the public is of the country’s best interests.

Oguna media to monitor what politicians say when they provide them with an opportunity to share information with the public through their platforms.

Other participants who also waded into the subject recounted how media impacts the society.

AMWIK Executive Director Judie Kaberia claimed that the media has in the past elections fanned violence; a situation she said should not be replicated in the next elections.

“We are committed to promoting democracy in the country. We cannot allow this country to sink into violence after every five years,” she said.

MCK is optimistic that the elections reporting guidelines it is working on alongside other stakeholders will be beneficial to the media fraternity.

MCK Chief Executive David Omwoyo said that a review of guidelines to address the concerns on the emergence of social media and other challenges ahead of the elections was vital.