Owalo calls for impartiality as MCK selection panel is named

ICT CS Eliud Owalo (centre) and Media Council of Kenya CEO David Omwoyo addressing the media in Nairobi on January 26, 2023. [Boniface Okendo, Standard]

ICT Cabinet Secretary Eliud Owalo has challenged the team recruiting the next Media Council of Kenya board members to do a thorough job in the best interest of the industry.

This was the CS's main message during the inauguration of a 13-member team which will recruit the new board members who are expected to take over before the end of next month.

The board will oversee the strategic direction of the Council over the next
three years.

"I urge this panel to embrace objectivity and select a board that will work for the good of the industry", Owalo said.

The new MCK board will comprise a chairperson and eight members, including one to be nominated by Owalo's ministry.

The panel members are Oscar Obonyo (Kenya Union of Journalists), Emmanuel Juma (Media Owners Association), Macharia Gaitho (Kenya Editors Guild) and Marlene Abong'o from Law Society of Kenya. Other members are William Oloo, Sylvia Mwichuli, Julius Melli, Daniel Watere, Benjamin Langwen, Josephine Mbuthia, Jane Wambui, Dr Kinya Mwithia and Dr Jane Thuo to represent private universities and public universities respectively.

Broadcasting and Telecommunication Principal Secretary, Prof Edward Kisiangani reiterated the government's commitment to accord media conducive working environment in line with the Constitution.

"The panel should ensure that the procedures agreed are inline with the constitution. We want the media industry to flourish, and therefore you are tasked with the responsibility of getting us the right people to do the job," he said.