Kibaki urges fair media coverage of polls to foster national unity

BY Athman Amran and Ally Jamah

President Kibaki has expressed concern over increasing vulgar talk on radio and explicit scenes in television programmes.

However, Kibaki praised Kenyan media for being one of the most vibrant in the world with diversity of content, plurality of ownership, and programmes that socialise people to take responsibility in the development of the nation.

President Kibaki, Information Minister Samuel Poghisio (right), with Media Council officials after opening the first East African Journalists Convention in Nairobi, on Wednesday. [Photo:Moses Omusula/Standard]

"The Media Council of Kenya and other relevant agencies should provide leadership by discouraging negative and immoral content and promoting positive and intellectually uplifting programmes," he said.

Speaking while opening the East Africa Journalists Convention at the Kenyatta International Conference Centre in Nairobi, President Kibaki asked the media to spearhead peace and national cohesion as the General Election approaches.

"We expect the media to be at the forefront in informing and educating Kenyans on various electoral matters so that they can make informed choices," he said.

He challenged the media to demonstrate objectivity, balance and sensitivity in news coverage particularly in this period of competitive politics.

The conference coincides with World Press Freedom Day, which will be celebrated today. The President said the Government will continue to support free media, fair and responsible journalism as laid out in the Constitution.

He said the Government has supported media freedom over the years, which culminated in the enactment of the Media Bill in 2007.

"The law created the Media Council of Kenya as a professional body and leading institution in the regulation of media, conduct and discipline of journalists," he said.