Charles Oduor 
Journalists plying their trade in the north rift region have every reason as they will enjoy a fast, reliable and formidable way in their quest to inform, educate and entertain the society, after the establishment of a media hub in Eldoret. in a function graced by the Principal Secretary of Broadcasting and Telecommucations, Esther Koimett, the journalists lauded the move as it will ease flow of information since they will have a centralized point of access.
The PS said was keen to observe that the media industry in Kenya, just like in other developing countries faces certain challenges in their day-to-day work.
On Covid-19 pandemic impact on the media industry, the PS said many journalists had been laid off due to decreased income while others were operating under harsh conditions including without appropriate equipment, safety gears and conducive working space.
She said the Ministry was committed to supporting the Media Diversity Fund as a way of enabling the industry to cope with the current financial and professional constraints.
“With nearly 200 radio stations, 85 television stations, 100 print publications and 200 online media outlets, the media industry in Kenya is a big contributor to the national economy and employer, and thus should be accorded necessary support,” she noted
She assured Kenyan journalists of her Ministry’s support and commended the Media council for supporting journalists which had motivated them to excel in their performance.
On his part the Media Council Chief Executive Officer (CEO) David Omwoyo reiterated the importance of authentic, reliable and accurate information especially during this electioneering period in order to set an agenda of peace, cohesion and inclusivity during and after the elections.
Mr Omwoyo noted the idea of opening the Eldoret media hub was as a result of closure of several media houses in Eldoret. Currently there are only three media houses that have offices out of over 70 journalists based in the town. Over half of the journalists have no operational base.
The Media hub hosts a recording studio, a newspaper area and other journalistic tools of trade. The centre will also serve the neighbouring counties of Nandi and Elgeyo Marakwet.
By Sharon Lurokito
