Kenya’s government amends Media Bill after consultations

By DAVID OHITO

KENYA: The Government has made amendments to a Bill that stirred controversy among media stakeholders and raised threats of censorship.

The final drafts of the Media Council Bill 2013 were published and circulated to stakeholders after massive consultations, which factored input of key stakeholders and industry leaders.

The Cabinet Secretary for ICT Dr Fred Matiang’i expressed joy last evening over the breakthrough, saying his office will engage in continuous consultations with media stakeholders to ensure Article 34 of the Constitution on freedom and independence of the media is guaranteed.

The Standard had last week raised the red flag against contentious drafts drawn by a working committee and which had ignored recommendations by stakeholders.

On Tuesday, a consultative forum bringing together Media Owners Association, Media Council of Kenya, Kenya Editors’ Guild, Kenya Correspondents Association, Ministry of Information and commissioners from the Commission for the Implementation of the Constitution (CIC) debated the contentious clauses in earlier drafts and agreed on the way forward.

Media freedom

The forum, which was chaired by CIC chair Charles Nyachae and attended by Dr Matiang’i and editors, thrashed out clauses which were seen as infringing on media freedom.

CIC commissioners Nyachae, Kamotho Waiganjo and Dr Imaana Laibuta guided stakeholders in a debate that tooth-combed the final draft.

The earlier drafts were withdrawn from the Attorney General’s chambers and replaced with a consensus document. The new laws are expected to be enacted and be aligned to the Constitution 2010 by August 27. Parliament proceeds on recess on August 2 which means the laws may be passed earlier than the designated deadline.

The media stakeholders had insisted that the Media Council of Kenya must be fully independent and the regulation of broadcast content should be vested in the Media Council of Kenya and not a function of Communications Commission of Kenya or its successor.

Stakeholders also demanded that the new body should funded sufficiently through the National Assembly in manner that protects the Media Council of Kenya’s independence.