By Nderitu Elvis
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| Citizen reporters: Elvis and Alvin during an interview |
Citizen Journalism training at Ngarua Maarifa centre has
come of age. This was demonstrated when two reporters Sokopepe) a swahili word for virtual market. Representing the team, the two citizen reporters;
Alvin and Elvis successfully managed the citizen journalism stand and marked
a colourful coverage of the project by collecting the milestones the group has achieved so
far. Their stand was adorned with two balloons- named Alvin and Elvis - orange
and white to mark the theme of the day.
confidently made a big show during the unveiling of ALIN’s E-marketing project (
Some of the most remarkable things noted were the
establishment of a blog; http://laikipiaruralvoices.blogspot.com/,
and a face book page. A total of 148 plus articles all touching the heart of
Laikipia have been published on the blog, attracting over 26,000 readers, from
far and wide. Some of the stories published elicited quick responses, a case of
a deaf girl who was forcefully married off got a sponsored by a well wisher and
she is currently a student at Bishop Gatimu Secondary.
The stand witnessed massive visitors in the early hours with
people trying to find out what exactly is citizen journalism. Most of them were
amazed since they had no clue of its existence and were further touched by the
fact that it had covered stories they knew off head.
Guest from ALIN head quarters in Nairobi and other invited
visitors went to the stand and were pleased by the new developments of the
project.
One remarkable visitor to the stand was the current area Member
of county assembly who was moved by the presentations. The leader is among the pioneers
Citizen Journalism Trainings in to be trained be training in Sipili three years
ago. ‘‘I have written almost 15 articles published on this blog’’ said Duncan
Ndegwa.
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| The Citizen reporters had much fun during the event |
The show rendered a golden opportunity for the citizen
reporters to create rapport with reporters from mainstream media. Mohammed
Maina- a journalist with a local radio station ‘‘Sauti Ya Mwananchi’’, visited the stand and he was so stunned to
find out that the volunteers had come up with such an innovative idea to write
and share news on the web-blog. Maina was touched by this innovative project
and he promised to highlight the blog on his Friday night show. He also said
that he will in future consider slotting an interview with one of the citizen reporters
in his show.
The stand received various requests by people who were
willing to join the family of citizen journalist’s and all were invited to attend
lessons which commenced Monday 26th August 2013.
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