Media council, NCIC sign MoU to curb hate speech

By STEVE MKWALE

The media and the National Cohesion and Integration blackoutCommission (NCIC) have entered into a partnership aimed at curbing hate speech ahead of the next general election.

NCIC chairman Dr Mzalendo Kibunjia said his organisation and the Media Council of Kenya (MCK) would monitor broadcast and print media throughout the year as a measure to prevent violence during and after the elections.

Noting that hate speech perpetuated through the media contributed greatly to the 2007/ 2008 post election violence, Kibunja said they want to ensure that media coverage of the forthcoming general elections will be fair and accurate.

"Our activities beside monitoring will include training of journalists, and come up with guidelines that will enable journalists report accurately on the electoral process," he said.

Kibunja who was accompanied by MCK Executive Director Haron Mwangi told journalists during the signing of a memorandum of understanding that media houses that air or prints hate speech shall be held accountable.

"We do not want the country to be caught unawares again. We will monitor performance of journalists and media houses," he said.

Mwangi said the training programmes for journalists will be carried out within respective media houses.

"We have hold discussions with stakeholders with a view to ensure the programmes are well coordinated," said Mwangi.

He said the parties in the MOU would ensure that media coverage during and after the elections were not contrary to national values, and are measured and deliberately monitored.

The two organisations would also compile and release reports on the monitoring of hate speech in the media.

Besides the monitoring and training, the organisation will also carry joint awareness campaigns for responsible behaviour among journalists.