Journalists in Kisumu County today joined media professionals across Kenya in observing World Press Freedom Day through activities highlighting the media’s crucial function in society.
The Kisumu Journalist Network (KJN) observed the occasion by organizing a blood donation event at Jaramogi Oginga Odinga National Hospital. The initiative sought to preserve lives while demonstrating solidarity between journalists and the communities they serve.
Meanwhile, the Lake Region Journalist Network (LRJN), which addresses issues affecting journalists in the broader Lake Region, marked the day by planting tree saplings at MM SHA School. The activity was part of supporting the government’s goal to expand forest coverage by 2030.
During the event, the school’s principal, Michael Oriedi, stressed the significance of the tree planting project for both educational and environmental purposes. ‘This initiative will greatly benefit our community and the school. It will enhance the learning atmosphere and contribute to environmental conservation,’ stated Oriedi.
However, Oriedi also expressed concerns about student safety following the demolition of the school’s boundary wall to accommodate the expansion of the road connecting Kakamega Road to Juakali Market. He warned that the situation had exposed students to potential hazards. ‘Our learners are now vulnerable because the protective wall has been removed. We call on concerned parties and authorities to intervene and guarantee their safety,’ he added.
The principal further encouraged the media to continue bringing attention to the unstable security conditions in Kisumu County, noting that both educators and students face threats from criminal elements in various parts of the city. ‘We depend on the media to amplify these concerns so that measures can be taken. Without security, education cannot prosper,’ Oriedi emphasized.
The events in Kisumu embodied the overarching theme of World Press Freedom Day, which emphasizes the essential role of journalists in advancing democracy, accountability, and community welfare. By participating in humanitarian and environmental endeavors, local journalists showcased their dedication to not only informing the public but also actively supporting the welfare of society.
As the celebrations concluded, participants reaffirmed the importance of ongoing collaboration between the media, educational institutions, and the broader community to address urgent challenges such as insecurity and environmental deterioration.