Bloggers Association of Kenya Holds Fact-Checking Training in Eldoret
Mikhail Imbugwa, a media strategist and human rights advocate, explained that fact-checking was important in today’s fast-paced digital landscape.
A section of journalits during BAKE's traing at Noble hotel, Eldoret.
By Robert Mutasi
Bloggers Association of Kenya [BAKE] conducted a fact-checking training at the Noble Hotel in Eldoret on Friday, November 22, 2024, meant to equip content creators with vital skills to overcome misinformation challenges in the digital space.
The training, which brought together over 20 journalists, influencers, and journalism students, is part of BAKE’s ongoing initiative to build capacity among media practitioners across Kenya.
Mikhail Imbugwa, a media strategist and human rights advocate, explained that fact-checking was important in today’s fast-paced digital landscape.
“In this digital age, misinformation spreads at the speed of light,” Imbugwa said. “It is important that content creators equip themselves with the skills and knowledge to ensure they are not part of the problem. Today’s session has been useful, and now participants have the ability to fact-check stories and only share what is true.”
Imbugwa further emphasized the impact of misinformation on the larger society, citing recent controversies in Kenya, such as the debates surrounding the Social Health Insurance Fund. He noted that misinformation often leads to public mistrust in critical systems and called on content creators to play a role in reversing this trend.
Kioko Kivandi of Egerton University, a media trainer, spoke to the challenges posed by the democratization of information sharing. Many people, he said, have now become digital content creators with the advent of smartphones, often sidestepping the checks and balances that came with traditional media.
“Mainstream media used to have a monopoly on information dissemination, but now anyone with a smartphone can create and share content,” said Kivandi. “This makes it very important for us to keep building our capacity in debunking false information. Today’s session in Uasin Gishu is part of an ongoing effort to stabilize the information ecosystem and to empower content creators.”
Vallary Lukhanyu, the Communication Manager at BAKE, expressed satisfaction with the progress during the training. She said that bloggers and digital journalists had a big role to play in shaping public opinion and emphasized on the need for responsible reporting.
“Everyone on social media is now considered a blogger, but not all are credible sources of news,” said Lukhanyu. “Through this programme, we’re empowering media practitioners to fact-check information before sharing it with the public. This ensures the news reaching the masses is credible and accurate.”
This Eldoret training is a replica of a similar session that was held in Mombasa two months ago. BAKE said it will take the initiative to Kisumu, Nakuru, and later Nairobi, hoping that it will cultivate a culture of accountability among digital content creators.
Lukhanyu further cemented the growing appreciation of digital journalism as a legitimate profession. “blogging is not just a hobby; it’s a job that deserves respect,” she said. “As more people embrace digital journalism, we must ensure they have the tools to produce credible content.”
With misinformation continuing to be a challenge in Kenya and around the world, such training by BAKE is a vital step in fostering a more responsible digital media community.
About Author
