By Wendy Naggudi
The Kenya Editors’ Guild (KEG) has unveiled a comprehensive training manual aimed at improving the quality of climate change reporting in Kenya. The manual aims to equip journalists and editors with the knowledge and skills required to report effectively on the increasingly urgent and complex issue of climate change.
Developed with support from GIZ Kenya and in collaboration with the Ministry of Environment, Climate Change, and Forestry, the manual offers journalists an in-depth understanding of climate change and its various dimensions, from mitigation strategies to the role of policy in addressing the crisis.
Zubeidah Kananu, President of Kenya Editors’ Guild (KEG), highlighted the critical need for specialized training in climate journalism, stating, “The manual aims to raise awareness and enhance journalists’ understanding of climate change issues, enabling more young and upcoming journalists to engage with the topic and produce compelling articles on climate change.”
Ms Kananu while appreciating the team that was involved in the development of the manual highlighted the importance of this initiative, saying, “Given the complexity of climate change, consistent reporting is essential. This requires reporters and editors to develop a keen interest and understanding of the issues involved.”
The manual, titled Equipping Editors and Reporters: A Climate Change Training Manual, was developed to address the growing demand for quality climate change reporting. It seeks to fill the knowledge gap left as seasoned reporters either move on to different roles or leave the field.
Dr. Festus Ngéno, the Principal Secretary for Environment and Climate Change, echoed the importance of the media’s role in addressing climate change, particularly in vulnerable countries like Kenya. “The recent catastrophic droughts and floods, which are linked to the worsening global climate crisis, have made it clear that climate change poses one of the greatest risks to lives and livelihoods in Kenya,” he said. “Journalists and editors play a critical role in explaining the causes and effects of climate change, describing how countries and communities can adapt, and reporting on the actions needed from the Government and other stakeholders to combat this crisis.”
Kenya’s vulnerability to climate change is well-documented. Its position in the Horn of Africa leaves it exposed to extreme weather events that not only threaten food security but also affect water resources, health systems, and biodiversity. With such high stakes, effective communication of climate issues becomes paramount.
According to Dr. Ngéno, “Research on public understanding of climate change, along with surveys of journalists, has shown that the media in Kenya can and should do more to tell the story of climate change.”
The training manual consists of six detailed modules, each designed to guide journalists through different facets of climate change reporting. These modules cover topics such as the basic science of climate change, its impact on various sectors like agriculture and health, and Kenya’s national and international obligations. The manual also highlights solution-based journalism, encouraging reporters to not only focus on the problems caused by climate change but also on innovations and strategies that offer hope and solutions, such as renewable energy initiatives and sustainable farming practices.
The manual provides practical tips and includes case studies to help journalists write accurate and impactful stories. It also addresses the risks of misinformation, which can distort public understanding of climate issues, and advises reporters to avoid exaggeration or misleading narratives when covering environmental topics. The manual’s emphasis on ethical journalism ensures that coverage remains fair, truthful, and credible.
Ms Kananu noted that the manual would also serve to inspire young journalists to take up climate reporting as a serious career path. As the current generation of journalists ages, it is essential that younger reporters are equipped with the skills and knowledge to continue covering this critical issue. She highlighted that preparing the next generation of journalists is critical for ensuring that climate reporting remains a priority in Kenya’s media industry.
Dr. Ngéno, on behalf of the Ministry of Environment, expressed hope that the manual would strengthen collaboration between the media and the government. He said that the manual would help the media engage more deeply with Kenya’s ongoing climate initiatives, such as tree planting efforts and tracking the government’s climate goals at international events like the Conference of the Parties (COP). He called on journalists to use the manual as a resource to report not just on government actions but also to provide critical analysis of whether Kenya is meeting its climate targets.
Both KEG and the Ministry hope that this manual will contribute to a stronger culture of climate reporting in Kenya. By improving the capacity of journalists to report on environmental issues, they aim to inform the public and inspire greater participation in climate action. The manual is seen as an essential tool for ensuring that climate stories are told with the depth and urgency they require, reflecting the realities of climate change and its impacts on Kenya’s communities.
