Journalists from Kisumu, Kericho, and Nandi counties have been challenged to use their media platforms to promote peace and foster unity among communities living along the porous border regions ahead of the 2027 General Election.
The call was made on Wednesday during a conflict-sensitive reporting and prejudice reduction training held in Awasi, Kisumu County, organised by the Free Pentecostal Fellowship in Kenya (FPFK) Peace Resilience Programme.
Speaking during the training, FPFK Peace Resilience Programme Coordinator Malachi Otieno said journalists were deliberately prioritised for capacity-building because of the critical role they play in shaping public opinion and preventing conflict through responsible reporting.
“Today we invited journalists to train them on ways of writing stories and reporting that will not promote prejudice or fuel conflicts within communities. We know media houses and journalists are among the best people who can promote peace,” said Otieno.
He noted that the organisation aims to equip journalists with skills and knowledge that will help them report professionally and responsibly, especially in areas that have historically experienced border-related tensions.
FPFK board member Christine Auma echoed the sentiments, saying timely training and strategic engagement with media practitioners would help prevent conflict before it erupts.
“Our main agenda today was to discuss and see how we can capacity-build our brothers and sisters so that they can file positive reports that will not negatively impact communities. The election is next year and we must preach peace only,” said Auma.
She added that journalists hold immense influence in society and can help shape public attitudes through balanced and constructive reporting.
On his part, the Nyanza Regional Coordinator at the National Cohesion and Integration Commission, Castro Baraza, said the media plays a central role in disseminating information that can either build or destroy social cohesion.
“Media practitioners play a very important role in relaying information. The message they disseminate can either lead to conflict or promote peace. As we head towards the elections, we discussed ways the media can help ensure no conflict occurs within the borders of Kisumu, Kericho, and Nandi counties,” Baraza said.
He noted that participants also examined some of the major causes of election-related conflicts, both during and after elections, and explored ways journalists can contribute to peaceful coexistence through ethical reporting.
The training brought together journalists from Kisumu, Kericho, and Nandi counties, regions that have previously experienced border-related tensions and clashes.
FPFK said it will continue organising similar forums to strengthen peace-building efforts and ensure communities receive accurate, balanced, and peace-oriented information as the country prepares for the 2027 polls.
