Kenyan, Chinese media urged to champion accurate reporting

Kenyan and Chinese media practitioners have been urged to uphold accuracy, ethical journalism, and development-focused reporting as a way of strengthening people-to-people relations between the two countries.

Media Council of Kenya Chief Executive Officer David Omwoyo said the media has a responsibility not only to hold institutions accountable, but also to highlight stories that improve lives and contribute to development.

Speaking during a seminar on the role of media in fostering Kenya-China people-to-people connectivity, the media regulator warned that development journalism should not be viewed as inferior to investigative reporting, arguing that both approaches serve the public interest.

"The positive coverage of Kenya by Chinese media has boosted tourism, enhanced investment interest, and strengthened bilateral economic relations, underscoring the role of development journalism in improving livelihoods," he said in Nairobi on Thursday.

Omwoyo further advocated for expanded Kenya-China media cooperation in fact-checking, AI, and digital innovation, to strengthen journalistic standards, credibility, and public trust.

Kenya Editors Guild CEO Linda Bach noted that while information is now available from countless sources, professional journalism distinguishes itself through verification, context, and balanced reporting.

"In a world flooded with information, accuracy becomes more valuable than speed," Bach said, adding that ethical journalism remains the profession's greatest competitive advantage.

She urged journalists and editors to uphold truth, fairness, accountability, and respect for human dignity, saying the future belongs not to the fastest newsroom but to the most trusted one.

China's Ambassador to Kenya Guo Haiyan cautioned against distorted, exaggerated, and one-sided narratives, arguing that authenticity remains the lifeblood of journalism and the foundation for stronger people-to-people connectivity.

"Compelling narratives rooted in real experiences can help break stereotypes, counter misinformation and foster deeper friendship between the peoples of the two countries," said Guo.

Paul Ilado, Radio Africa Group editorial director, while noting that China has become an important part of Kenya's development journey, underlined the need for the media to cover the relationship with balance, accuracy, and proper context.

"The public deserves to understand both the opportunities and the challenges that come with any partnership. They deserve information that helps them make informed decisions and participate meaningfully in the opportunities available," he said.