'Nation' launches Nyanza edition

The media has been challenged to stem hate speech in the run-up to the elections next year.

Nyanza Regional Co-ordinator Wilson Njega on Friday night raised concern that politicians had started making inflammatory comments and asked media houses to give them a blackout.

“We are asking the media to play a key role in helping as curb hate speech by not giving attention to the hate mongers. We should not put effort on stories that are likely to scare away investors,” said Mr Njega during the launch of the Nyanza Edition of the Daily Nation in Kisumu.

The event was attended by Kisumu Governor Jack Ranguma, Senator Anyang Nyong’o, Deputy Governor Ruth Odinga, Nation Media Group chief executive Joe Muganda and Editor-in-Chief Tom Mshindi.

Speaking during the event, Mr Ranguma advised the media to put the spotlight on the gains of devolution and demand accountability.  

“As we continue to entrench ourselves in matters of devolution, we believe there will be a shift in the regions focus,” Mr Ranguma said.

The Nyanza edition is tailored to put more focus on issues from the region as a response to market needs, explained Mr Muganda.

On his part, Prof Nyong’o lauded the role of the media in Kenya’s democratisation process but challenged journalists to trigger and drive debate on key national issues.

CREATE IDEAS

“Journalists have always been people who trigger debate and create ideas. We hope that with the launch of this edition, we will be able to improve on our view of the region on matters of socio-economic development,” the senator said.

“I hope you will continue to be unbiased as you have always been,” said Ms Odinga.

Mr Muganda said the edition will focus on the region with a view of highlighting issues that directly affect the local population.

“We realise that great debates are triggered nationally, in the villages and regionally hence the need to ensure we pass information to people the way they naturally consume it,” said Mr Muganda.

“People sitting for example in Kogelo might not be interested in whatever is happening at a village in the Coast but they might be interested in knowing about the Chinese fish and why on earth are we eating fish from China delivered in a box from a refrigerator,” said Mr Muganda.

Mr Mshindi indicated the paper would provide enough space and audience for county governments and the business community.

“We would be irrelevant if Kenyans did not consume our products. We have a natural responsibility to be close to our readers and that is why we are bringing to the market the Nyanza edition,” said Mr Mshindi.