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| United States International University |
University Vice Chancellor Freida Brown said that it's important to build the capacity of the fourth estate to engage in processes of economic recovery and development to surpass the general curriculum of journalism.
The short courses, she said, aim at strengthening links between devolution and the media by having representatives from the press trained on how to focus their reporting on the County leadership and governance, key development activities, economic, social and democratic space issues.
"The courses will also aim at enhancing the communication knowledge of Personal Assistants to Governors and Communication officers at the County level on how to manage media relations and improve on communication at the county level to meet their set goals and objectives," she said.
The VC was speaking during a Cocktail Party organized by USIU for the press personalities drown from all Media Houses from across the Country. Present was Turkana County Governor Josephat Nanok and Uasin Ngicu County Minister Philip Melly.
"USIU believes that by providing reliable information and understanding to journalists working and reporting at the county level on all issues including education, health, employment, girl child, women and issues of peace and security in the county," she said.
The short courses will commence in January 2014 and have been structured with the Journalists schedule in mind.
"We shall not only facilitate the courses at our Nairobi Campus but will also have workshops across the country, this will enable a strong political culture, necessary to sustain democratic principles and state development." said Brown.
She added, "Journalists will be trained on how to build their capacity to query state reforms, domestic and foreign policies, treaties, conventions, bi-lateral and multi-lateral agreements with the international community."
She urged the Media to aggressively report on matters of devolution and remain the watchdog of the public's interest. She cautioned to also celebrate successes and achievements at the county level.
"We must also ensure that we educate and help manage expectations of Kenyans. USIU will play its role in ensuring that our members of the press are well prepared for the task.
Through a raffle, the University awarded two full scholarships to journalist Muthoni Njuki from Capital FM and Muchiri Muchoki, the Editor of Commerce and Industry Magazine into the new course and she urged Kenyans to ensure that tribalism and corruption do not hinder devolution.
"The press must play its role in ensuring that Kenyans understand that unity is vital to Kenya's economic, social, and political progress," she said.
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