I will uphold media freedom, Broadcasting PS nominee Isaboke says

Nominee for the positon of PS, State Department for Broadcasting and Telecommunications, Stephen Isaboke, before National Assembly at Bunge Towers, Nairobi on April 4, 2025. [Elvis Ogina, Standard]

Broadcasting and Telecommunications Principal Secretary nominee Stephen Isaboke has vowed to uphold media freedom and engage industry stakeholders in resolving challenges.

Speaking during his vetting on Friday, April 4, Isaboke distanced himself from his predecessor, Edward Kisiang'ani, saying he would not use his position to suppress the media.

''I will work together with media houses and engage them. I will do an engagement approach for the media and the public,'' he said.

Isaboke, who declared a net worth of Sh680 million-including land, apartments, cars, shares, and cash-also promised to address journalists' working conditions and payments.

"If approved, I will first assess the root issues and ensure all outstanding dues to journalists are settled. I will engage media houses and relevant authorities to guarantee fair compensation," he said.

''If approved, I will first go to the basics, establish the problem, and then ensure all dues are paid. I will talk to the media houses and relevant authorities to ensure journalists are paid,'' he said.

Additionally, he also committed to enforcing laws to regulate internet use, averring that such measures would not infringe on press freedom.

His responses come on the back of criticism of the immediate former ICT PS Kisiangani, who was accused of using state power to punish critical voices and curtail the public's right to information.

Interviews for state nominees are currently underway at Bunge Towers, Parliament.