4.7 Training facilities offer formal qualification programmes for journalists as well as opportunities to upgrade their skills. ANALYSIS: Training facilities are available at Diploma, undergraduate and postgraduate levels. There are attempts to balance between theory and imparting practical skills. The growth in media outlets has occasioned competition and demand for quality. Training institutions will increasingly be scrutinized for standards and quality of products. SCORES: Individual scores: 2, 2, 2, 4, 4, 2, 3, 4 Average score: 2.8 (2005=4.4) 4.8 Journalists and other media practitioners are organized in trade unions and/or professional associations. ANALYSIS: There are several trade unions and professional associations including the following: Kenya Union of Journalists, Media Owners Association, The Editors’ Guild of Kenya, Media Educators and Trainers Association and Kenya Correspondents’ Association. However, these do not effectively serve their stated objectives. They could for example be more involved in setting standards for media houses, individuals and provide peer review mechanism for media establishments. The unions in particular lack organic structures that seek a holistic approach to journalistic roles in society. Instead, they largely focus on short-term narrow interests. SCORES: Individual scores: 2, 2, 2, 2, 3, 3, 3, 4 Average score: 2.6 (2005= 4.7) 4.9 Gender mainstreaming is promoted in terms of equal participation of both sexes in the production process. 19