Journalists' meeting opens in NairobiBy AFRICAREVIEW.COM | Wednesday, May 2  2012 at  17:12

Kenya's President Mwai Kibaki Wednesday opened a three-day East African Journalists Convention at the Kenyatta International Conference Centre (KICC) in Nairobi.

President Kibaki challenged the African media to help sell the continent to the world by reporting on region's beauty, the resilience of the people, economic transformation and the deep cultural attributes.

He reminded African journalists that their reporting on positive side of the continent would shape the attitudes, biases and opinions of the international media.

He further challenged the media in Kenya to demonstrate objectivity, balance and sensitivity in news coverage, particularly in this period of competitive politics in the country.

President Kibaki said the media, through their coverage of political activities, was duty-bound to spearhead peace initiatives that enhance national cohesion and integration in the countdown to the general elections.

“As we approach the forthcoming elections, we expect the media to be at the forefront in informing and educating Kenyans on various electoral matters so that they can make informed choices of leaders,” said the Head of State.

He, however, expressed concern over the vulgar talk on some radio programmes and obscene scenes on television during family viewing time.

President Kibaki pledged continued government support to media freedom, guided by fair and responsible reporting as outlined in the country’s Constitution.

He praised the Kenyan media for being among the most vibrant in the world, with diversity of content, plurality of ownership and cultural materials that socialise people to take responsibility in nation building.

On social media, the Head of State urged users across the continent to exercise their freedoms responsibly and use such platforms to promote development, peace and cohesion.

“Our young people should, especially view new media as modern empowering tools and not avenues to corrupt their morals,” he observed.