Kericho: Journalists in Kericho County have been challenged to raise the bar in professionalism and embrace emerging technologies like artificial intelligence (AI) to stay ahead in a rapidly evolving media landscape. Speaking at the Anglican Church of Kenya (ACK) conference hall in Kericho during the World Press Freedom Day celebrations, which drew journalists to reflect on the state of press freedom and the challenges brought about by the digital age, Gideon Kikwai, Secretary General of the Kericho Press Club, underscored the vital role of ethical journalism in an age dominated by digital transformation.
According to Kenya News Agency, Kikwai highlighted that AI holds the potential to enhance journalistic work by detecting patterns and generating reports at unprecedented speeds, but it also raises concerns such as misinformation, photo manipulation, biased algorithms, surveillance, and threats to editorial independence. He pointed out that AI is reshaping journalism from how news is gathered, facts are verified, and content is distributed, to how audiences engage with stories.
Meanwhile, Kericho County Executive Committee Member (CECM) for Agriculture, Livestock, and Fisheries, Magerer Langat, reaffirmed the county government’s commitment to fostering a strong and transparent relationship with the media. He emphasized that the press plays a vital role in enhancing governance and public accountability. Langat announced plans to institutionalize regular press briefings, aimed at promoting transparency and ensuring timely communication between the government and the public through the media.
Langat further pledged to improve working conditions for journalists, particularly those operating in rural and underserved areas, and support training and capacity-building programs for local reporters and community media houses, with a focus on enhancing professionalism, ethical standards, and the quality of reporting.
Assistant County Commissioner Peter Kibata also attended the celebrations, where he took the opportunity to applaud members of the press for their invaluable contributions to public safety and community well-being. He specifically recognized the media’s proactive role in raising awareness and mobilizing public support in the fight against illicit brews and substance abuse across the county.
Kericho’s Deputy County Police Commander, Mohammed Ali, called for a stronger partnership between law enforcement and the media to enhance public safety and accountability. Ali emphasized that closer cooperation between these two critical sectors would foster greater transparency and improve the flow of accurate information to the public, highlighting the importance of a united front in tackling the complex challenges of modern policing and ensuring community security.
As Kenya adapts to a rapidly evolving media landscape, the message from Kericho’s World Press Freedom Day emphasized the need to uphold journalistic integrity, accuracy, and ethical standards even in the face of digital disruption.