Past Events

In a period in which access to information by the people is vital, journalists’ work continue to face numerous challenges. One of these pertains to safety. According to the center for protection of journalists (CPJ), a record of 1411 journalist lost their lives between the year 1992 to 2021. Between May 2020 and April 2021, Artice 19 Eastern Africa recorded at least 51 cases of attacks against individual journalists, including 9 female journalists. Between March 12 and August 31, 48 cases were already recorded in form of physical assault, verbal/telephone threats, harassment/torture etc. Media Council of Kenya identifies most of the safety risks with dangerous/risky assignment, crossfire or murder. Community radio journalists, just like mainstream partners are not exempted from the safety concerns. In the year 2020, just a day after the world press Freedom Day, Pamoja FM community radio journalist was brutally murdered while on his way home from the radio station by unknown assailants. In as much as one of the perpetrators was apprehended and arraigned in court, more needs to be done in bid to ensure that our journalist are safe while engaging in their duties. With 2022 being an electioneering year, extra measures need to be taken ahead of time in ensuring physical safety of journalists in the field. Umoja Radio for Peace program in cognizant of the role that community radio journalists play in promoting peaceful coexistence among communities in Kenya, seeks to increase awareness of community journalists on risk assessment, safety and precautionary measures.