MOA chairman calls for unity against repressive regulations

Kenya: Newly elected Media Owners Association (MOA) chairman Sam Shollei, has called upon players in the media to fight laws that hurt the industry.  

 Noting that implementation of some of the legislations has since been suspended owing to a petition in the Supreme Court, the MOA boss appealed for concerted efforts among media owners and journalists in safeguarding the profession. “We might have let the media bills that were enacted last year pass easily partly because of our not very-coordinated approach,” said the Standard Group Ltd CEO. 

Among controversial provisions in the new laws passed recently, is the proposed quasi-government body with the power to impose fines, which could cripple media houses.

Shollei was speaking to members of the Kenya Union of Journalists (KUJ), who paid him a courtesy call.

Led by the National Chairman Oscar Obonyo, the KUJ officials congratulated Shollei on his election to the new position at MOA, and assured him of their cooperation and full support.

KUJ, however, pleaded with media owners to improve the working terms of attached correspondents and stringers. 

 Shollei thanked the officials of  KUJ for their message of support, and expressed his commitment in addressing the plight of journalists.