More citizen journalism will expose hidden loopholes of irresponsibility

Citizen journalism is often a frowned-upon reality in most countries where those in power and leadership are insecure about their responsibilities and how they carry them out.

Citizen journalists in such cases are endangered just like the regular career journalists.

However, encouraging citizen journalism, with guidelines of course, plays a key role in streamlining the quality of public service delivery.

By guidelines here we are talking about rules and laws protecting both the citizen journalist, or whistleblower, as well as the one being confronted by the matters raised so that people’s dignity is not tarnished, but also the truth is not suppressed and society is not denied a better and appropriate ration of the common good in that regard.

We must agree with the fact that there is so much happening in the world and in our country for proper journalists to be on those scenes on time, or in those life stories.

Citizen journalism is helpful especially in tracing the contexts as well as background of realities. For example, a person who lives in the locality and knows most of other dwellers there, can give a better background synthesis to a domestic murder, than a journalist who travels miles.

Also the motive can differ, in that, the journalist from media is sent to get a story for publication, while a citizen journalist is moved wholly by passion for the common good, for example, justice, peace, etc. Certainly these are not fixed variables.

Citizen journalism needs to be encouraged, for example during elections or political processes, to bring out the best possible manifestation of ‘free and fair’ election.

As technology avails us the means now, especially to record and take pictures, it is high time citizens are encouraged to bring to light the hidden inconveniences and irresponsibility.

Think if issues related to: mismanagement and wastage of resources, risks of security and public safety, potential health hazards, domestic abuses, abuse of power, negligence, vandalism, sub-standard projects, suspicious practices, counterfeit and fake goods manufacturing, suspicious foreign nationals, fundamentalism, trafficking, slavery, gender-based violence, violent behaviours and of course criminality.

The list of the things that the society needs to be keen to be citizen journalists for is endless.

The responsible bodies can get so much help from citizens, if in word and practice they promote the values they protect, especially justice and diligence.

Unless, for example, the security forces prove to be trustworthy will the people be honest to them and help make the society better.

Today most people fear any situation that will make them ‘collaborate’ with the police, for example. In Kiswahili we say kuisaidia polisi. Why, in this case is a question this column cannot answer.

It is also important for leaders to know that the country will not progress unless with the help of the general citizens, hence the need to have a consideration of their lives and struggles for the common good, especially when a voice emerges from the public and complains about things that are happening.

The consolation of the masses is justice, which should at least be the minimum, least meaning of public service delivery and protection of the common good.

The voice of the people need to be listened to, especially citizen journalists and their line of thought needs to be understood in the light of seeking at least the minimum of quality of public service, which is justice for all: men, women, children, people with disabilities, young and old, nationals and foreigners.

Given the fact that all fields of human affairs have those responsible for them in the government (of course except religious matters), citizen journalism helps the government and corporate institutions/businesses to locate the leaks in their roofs and patch-up right places.

Citizen journalism has often an insider or experiential advantage which nourishes what is reported, adding more credence to genuineness as well as pointing better at the problems to be solved.

This helps to remove inefficient people from leadership or management, especially when their passion for the common good is obviously shallow and superficial.

Think for example, of public officials or leaders who compromise the common good by embezzling all funds allocated for projects.

Bigger media channels are also limited in rural coverage, which is a better reason to have citizens bare the truth out via social media until problems are solved.

But the first assurance of this is the assurance of protection and legal coverage should there be bouncing back by those who are powerful and with bigger influence.

If we do not support citizen journalism, in a few years criminal dens will widen and irresponsibility and misappropriation will grow even deeper roots in the country, leading to a deterioration we will hardly forget.

Encouraging citizen journalism especially among young people will deepen their patriotism, especially when they are heard and problems are solved. Young people are an important force in the transformation of our society for the better.