By Florence Omolloh
Investigative journalist John Allan Namu has urged journalists to remain committed to uncovering corruption and wrong doings in society, despite the challenges they face.
Speaking at the end of a three-day investigative journalism training held in Kisumu, Namu, who is the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) and co-founder of Africa Uncensored, described corruption as a ‘poison’ that systematically affects Kenya’s future and well-being.
To effectively tackle the vice, the veteran journalist said journalists must develop an investigative mindset to help free the country from corruption and ensure the betterment of the society.
“To fight corruption effectively, journalists must understand how it works and develop a mindset that prioritizes truth and accountability,” he said.
He further encouraged journalists to remain committed to their work despite the challenges, stating that his motivation has always been to uncover the truth and push for reforms through impactful storytelling.
“Look at how it has affected our leadership, society and look at what it is denying us in terms of our future.”
He added, “For me, that is the motivation. The motivation isn’t so much about doing the next big story.”
The training, organized by Transparency International (TI) Kenya and other stakeholders, aimed at equipping journalists with investigative skills and digital tools to enhance their work.
Lilian Gathua, program coordinator at TI Kenya emphasized the importance of using technology in investigative reporting.
Transparency International Kenya's Lilian Gathua. Photo/JM
She noted that digital tools have revolutionized journalism, enabling reporters to gather, analyze, and present information more efficiently, and in real time.
“The goal is to ensure journalists can conduct in-depth investigations using the latest technology to expose corruption and promote accountability,” Gathua she stated.
Journalists who attended the training, led by Kenya New Agencies’ Philip Onyango highlighted the financial struggles investigative journalists face in their work.
Onyango stressed the need for timely payments and allowances to create a better working environment for journalists, including effectively tackling corruption in their field of specialization.
“Investigative journalism requires time and resources. Journalists need financial support to conduct thorough investigations and ensure members of the public get accurate and verified information,” Onyango said.
The training underscored the critical role of investigative journalism in promoting transparency, speaking truth to power, exposing wrongdoing and contributing towards an accountable society.
