[Photo: Kenya Editors Guild]
The Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) in partnership with the Kenya Editors Guild and Kenya Union of Journalists have today signed media guidelines on election results management reporting.
The guidelines provide media houses with a structured manner for collaboration with the IEBC in relation to election management.
Further, they provide a framework for timely access to electoral information in a bid to enhance transparency in the electoral process.
IEBC Chairperson Wafula Chebukati says the Commission strives to be transparent by holding press briefings and stakeholder engagements to strengthen collaborative efforts toward a credible General Election in August.
“The collaboration between IEBC and the media is underscored by the spirit of transparency. The Commission will accept criticism where it is due but urge the media to focus on key issues in the electoral process,” said Chebukati.
“We embrace positive criticism and we will not infringe on the media’s watchdog role… We are committed and have nothing to hide. We are very transparent.”
He then urged the media to actualize their commitment to the guidelines.
“We are accessible and available. If you (Media) feel there is a vacuum, you can always knock on our door.”