Uasin Gishu journalists have asked media houses and the Media Council of Kenya to develop mental care health policies that will benefit workers in the industry.
According to James Gitaka, the Uasin Gishu Journalists Association chair, MCK and media houses should make arrangements to ensure there are sessions for counselling of journalists.
Gitaka said many journalists are passing through many challenges among them mental illness.
He said the creation of acounselling department within media houses will be a very good initiative.
“We would like to ask media houses and MCK to come up with policies on access to mental care”, said Gitaka.
Gitaka said that the Covid-19 pandemic has thrown many journalists into mind drain as many of them have lost jobs.
Some have had pay cuts while others are working under poor conditions.
“Journalists are not superhuman beings; they also go through challenges like other people from other professions. The nature of their work may subject them to depression if there are no proper policies on mental health,” reiterated Gitaka.
He spoke when he led colleagues to mark World Press Freedom Day yesterday May 3, 2021.
The event which began with an address by Eldoret Sacred Heart of Jesus Cathedral Bishop Dominic Kimengich was followed by a procession in Eldoret town to the office office of the County Commander, Ayup Gitonga.
Bishop Kimengich hailed journalists for their commendable contribution to the society.
“As a member of clergy I’m greatful for the work of journalists because they highlight very many issues touching residents apart from informing them,” said Bishop Kimengich.
Kimengich asked journalists to remain objective and do balanced stories while reporting to avoid unnecessary trouble.
“It is very important that journalists remain unbiased and fair in their reporting so as not to cause conflicts even as we are gearing to the 2022 general elections,” added Bishop Kimengich.
“Freedom of the press is essential; in any country where there is no freedom of press, democracy a foreignword,” added Bishop Kimengich.
According to Jacky Sugut, secretary to the association, journalists especially females need empowerment so as to have productive progress output profession.
Gitonga on his part said they have a cordial relationship with journalists in the county.
“I’m very happy with how the Uasin Gishu journalists do their work with due diligence; we are working together well.
They call to ask for clarifications in some of the stories they do so that they don’t misreport,” said Gitonga.
The climax of the celebrations was at Jesus Love Ministries Children’s Home where journalists visited to provide foodstuffs.
This year’s theme was; Information as a Public Good.
