The broad goal for the proposed Media Diversity Centre will be to encourage the promotion of a media and journalistic culture that celebrates our common identity as human beings, promotes human rights for all and is founded on tolerance and diversity.

Historically, the roots of journalism are founded on what Edmund Burke defined in 1779 as the fourth estate responsibility of the media. He saw the media as a social institution that would directly oversee the rights of ordinary people and guard them against exploitation by those in authority. The media in this way was seen as the collective force that would ensure the development of a free society, democracy and accountability for all.

Diversity manifests in many ways: race, ethnicity, gender, physical abilities, sexual orientation, religious beliefs, income/wealth, educational background and so on. On the one hand, diversity can inspire creativity, social and economic progress, vibrant communities, and a richness of life. However, diversity also engenders suspicion, fear, discrimination, repression, and violent conflict. Tribal and ethnic based conflicts in most parts of Eastern Africa can be seen in the same light.

The season on competition for political superiority and political power is with us as political parties and their candidates gear up to win the favour of the electorate.

An unfortunate side effect of all this activity is the flare up of conflict and elections-related violence in the remaining time to the elections, during the elections and in the period post elections.