There is need for good working relationship between Police and Media.
This was the call during a two-day Police-Media Relationship Workshop held in Nakuru for officers from Rift Valley Region.
The workshop was organized by the Kenya Police Service in partnership with the International Justice Mission (IJM).
The joint workshop brought together media practitioners and police officers.
The workshop aims to come up with a framework for understanding and addressing the challenges in the relationship between the police and media, aiming for constructive dialogue, cooperation, and mutual respect to enhance public service delivery and societal well-being.
The 146 command-level Police Officers from nine counties had the chance to discuss human rights and freedom of expression as guaranteed by the 2010 Kenyan Constitution with media professionals and legal experts.
Speaking during the workshop, Mr. Nicholas Muriithi, the Director of Reforms who represented the Deputy Inspector General Kenya Police Service, informed the participants that the DIG is committed to improving the relationship through giving all necessary support in ensuring the success of the partnership between the two agencies.
He stated that this partnership will work together to provide the best possible service to the members of the public through the sharing of accurate and timely information.
Addressing the workshop, the Ag. Country Director of IJM, Mr. Vincent Chahale, noted that complaints have always emerged about the way the police handle their interactions with the media.
He stated that these complaints suggest gaps in the current Police-Media Relationship.
“Despite the efforts to close the gap, the mistrust persists. We must identify new approaches to normalize this historical phenomenon,” he stated.
The workshop that ended on Thursday October 30, 2024 aims to improve relations between police and the media, enhance public trust, and enhance effective communication between police and the media.
According to Naomi Maina from IJM, the partnership will conduct similar workshops in the remaining seven regions.
She noted that Police and Media play key role in enhancing justice for the vulnerable in society.
Ms Maina while pointing out that Media play key role in acting as a mirror for the society, was quick to note that good relationship between Media and Police officers will see the members of public emulate and adhere to the Law.
“Through this partnership, we just want to ensure that there is good working relationship between Media and Police. Through such there shall be good approach towards ensuring justice for the vulnerable in society,” she said.
