Broadcasting and Telecommunications Principal Secretary Prof. Edward Kisiang’ani has reaffirmed the government’s commitment to the protection of press freedom, the safety of journalists, and the nurturing of an environment where the media thrives without fear.
Prof. Kisiang’ani made the remarks during the commemoration of International Day to end impunity for crimes against journalists held Thursday in Kisumu County.
In a speech read on his behalf by Information Secretary Judy Munyinyi, the PS noted that Kenya boasts of a vibrant and diverse media space, owing to the significant growth and transformation in the sector.
The evolution, he added, has brought along a fair share of the risks confronting media professionals that require urgent interventions.
These interventions, revealed Prof. Kisiang’ani, include the establishment of safety and protection mechanisms, the creation of safety funds, trauma counselling, safety training, and promoting dialogue between media and security institutions.
The government, he added, has put in place significant steps to enforce existing laws designed to protect journalists and ensure swift justice for the violators.
“We will strengthen legal protections, modernise our laws to adapt to the challenges of the digital age, provide comprehensive safety training and support for journalists to secure their well-being in the field, and cultivate a culture of respect for journalism and its pivotal role in our society,” he stressed.
The PS underscored the critical role the media plays in enhancing democracy, exposing corruption, and ensuring those in power are held accountable.
“Press freedom is not a luxury or a privilege; it is the bedrock of a flourishing democracy. A thriving media landscape is the driving force behind progress and development in Kenya, and it serves as a testament to our unwavering commitment to democratic values,” stated the PS.
Notably, the Media Council of Kenya (MCK) has documented 107 cases of freedom violations against the members of the Fourth Estate since January 2023.
“It is a worrying trend that out of these cases, 54 were physical assaults on journalists. Shockingly, 34 of these assaults were orchestrated by members of the public, whereas none of these perpetrators have been arrested,” he stated.
Prof. Kisiang’ani proposed a collective approach by the media owners, the MCK, Civil Society Organisations, government agencies, the public, and other actors to work in synergy to uphold and defend freedom of expression and promote constitutionalism in the country.
“We must collectively strive to ensure that journalists can work without fear and that press freedom remains an unassailable pillar of our democracy. Safeguarding press freedom is not the responsibility of a single entity; it is a collective endeavour that demands unity. We must work together as a united front to protect our cherished free press,” the PS emphasised.
In addition, he appealed to the journalists to stay vigilant and always be cognizant of their security while undertaking their duties.
“The government is keen to support you; you have our full support, so seek government assistance where you face danger,” he assured.
Kisumu County Deputy Governor, Dr. Mathews Owili, reiterated the need for media stakeholders to collaborate to establish homegrown solutions to eliminate violence and impunity.
“Journalism is a fundamental tool for development but also remains a dangerous and too often deadly profession. More annoying is the fact that even after the attacks on journalists, assailants often go scot-free,” lamented Dr. Owili.
Kenyan journalists, he added, have endured attacks and other forms of impunity while on the line of duty from politicians, police, hired gangs, and even the public.
“More journalists are being detained without trial. The death toll is surging. Media houses are arbitrarily being shut down. Communication equipment destroyed. Verbal attacks are on the rise. The space for the free press is squeezing up every day,” decried the Deputy Governor.
On his part, the MCK Chief Executive Officer, David Omwoyo, called on the relevant actors to hold the oppressors of media independence accountable.
“Failing to punish the perpetrators of crimes against journalists lowers the country’s ranking on media freedom, and this is in a bad light,” Omwoyo observed.
Agess Kalekye, the Chairperson of the Media Owners Association, rebuked the worrying trend of journalists’ rights violations manifested through physical attacks, online bullying, threats, and criminalization.
To protect press freedom, Kalekye reiterated that stakeholders should collaborate to establish a supportive ecosystem for journalists by providing them with the needed resources and training to enhance their skills to navigate the complexities of the digital age.
The United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO) dedicated November 2 every year to commemorate the International Day to end impunity for Crimes against Journalists, pay tribute to scribes killed because of their work, and raise awareness of the danger of impunity for crimes committed against journalists.
By Robert Ojwang’
