The training commenced in early February with regional editors at Kisumu’s Huduma Centre. Speaking to journalists during the training, FPFK Peace Resilience Program Field Officer Victor Rotich emphasized the role of media in shaping public perception and fostering peace.

“We have brought together the media fraternity in Kisumu and the entire region to empower them on sensitive reporting. It is crucial to engage journalists in peace-building because media plays a significant role in reaching the masses,” Rotich stated. He added that the program covers multiple counties, including Kericho (Sigowet), Nandi (Tinderet), and Kisumu (Nyakach, Muhoroni, and Nyando sub-counties).

Rotich stressed the need for media to prioritize stories that unite communities, particularly those sharing borders. He also commended FPFK’s key partners for their commitment to fostering peace in conflict-prone areas like Sondu, Muhoroni, and Nandi.

“It is essential that we highlight stories that bring communities together. Through this platform, we ensure that even those who lack access to crucial information can learn how to coexist peacefully,” Rotich said. He acknowledged the support of FPFK’s leadership, including General Secretary Rev. John Kitur, program managers Joshua Kelele and FPFK national board. Rotich said the training will as well work with local vernacular stations in the mentioned regions to have peace talk shows for this year, especially in the local dialect Luo and Kipsigis radio stations in Kisumu and Kericho counties.

FPFK Officer Malachi Otieno Okumu echoed these sentiments, underscoring the media’s role in peace advocacy. “The media is a powerful tool for peace-building. Through our Peace Resilience Program, we are committed to working with journalists to ensure their reporting fosters cohesion rather than conflict,” he said.

Otieno highlighted ongoing collaboration with community elders, responsible public figures, government agencies, and early warning response systems to curb cross-border cattle theft and other sources of tension.

“The Peace Resilience Project promotes harmony in Kisumu, Kericho, and Nandi counties. We believe the media is instrumental in disseminating messages of peace, and we are here to train journalists on how to produce stories that do not incite violence,” Otieno added.

Nyanza National Cohesion and Integration Commission (NCIC) Regional Coordinator Castro Baraza reaffirmed the importance of media partnerships in conflict resolution. He noted that collaboration between FPFK, the National Cohesion and Integration Commission (NCIC), and journalists would help address emerging conflicts and amplify the voices of peace advocates.

“The NCIC is mandated to eliminate all forms of discrimination, particularly ethnic, religious, and racial biases. Our partnership with FPFK and the media is essential in addressing disputes, especially in Kisumu, Kericho, and Nandi. Sensitisation forums like these help us build media capacity while also preparing peacebuilders to confront emerging challenges,” Baraza explained.

He warned against adverse reporting, stating that it could undermine ongoing and future peace efforts. Baraza highlighted NCIC’s multi-agency approach to resolving boundary disputes and credited peace-building structures, including the National Government Administration Officers (NGAO), civil society organizations, and the media, for significant conflict de-escalation in Sondu.

“As we begin a new year, we remain hopeful for lasting peace in Muhoroni, Nyakach, and Kericho. I urge communities in these areas to embrace opportunities provided by our partners, including FPFK and the media, to find constructive solutions to conflicts,” he concluded.

The training is expected to continue across the region, reinforcing the role of the media in promoting peaceful coexistence and development.

Source- The Kenya Tabloid