State to promote media freedom, Information CS Joseph Mucheru assures

Kenya Media Council CEO Haron Mwangi(left) and ICT Principal Secretary Samuel Itereme during celebrations of world press freedom at Nairobi on 3/5/16. (PHOTO: BEVERLYNE MUSILI/ STANDARD)

The Government is committed to establishing a favourable environment the media, Information Cabinet Secretary Joseph Mucheru said yesterday.

Mr Mucheru said the Government would continue promoting a free environment for journalists through policy interventions, as it considers the media a very important partner in driving its development agenda.

"We are committed to consultative and inclusive efforts aimed at creating frameworks and establishing institutions and legal regimes to support the work of independent and professional media," he said.

The CS added that challenges pitting the State and media players can easily be solved through dialogue.

Players in the advertisement and media industry have recently been at loggerheads with the Kenya Film Classification Board (KFCB).

This was sparked by the board's introduction of new guidelines that outlawed the airing of commercials relating to betting, contraceptive products and alcoholic drinks between 5am and 10pm. Advertisers complained that the new rules would eat into their revenue stream.

consistent consultation

"These challenges require creative and collective solutions. As Government, we are aware stakeholders in the media industry have done much. We shall complement their efforts through consistent consultation with industry players," said Mucheru.

"We shall support all initiatives of the players in the fourth estate in their pursuit of professionalism and responsibility in media," added the CS who was represented by his Principal Secretary Samuel Itemere during the official opening of a journalist's convention in Nairobi to commemorate the World Press Freedom Day.

The Media Council of Kenya (MCK) organised the convention, which will culminate in the rewarding of journalists who have excelled in their work by being ethical.

MCK Chief Executive Officer Haron Mwangi complained of intimidation and harassment of journalists, saying the council had this year received over 24 cases. "Out of the cases, 14 of the individuals were singled out for speaking or writing uncomfortable truths on corruption," said Dr Mwangi.