Media stakeholders accuse state of stifling freedoms

The Kenya Media Sector Working Group (KMSWG) has expressed concerns over what they claimed is a systematic undermining of media freedom, freedom of expression, and freedom to access information by the government.

The group led by Kenya Editor' Guild President Zubeida Kananu and Kenya Union of Journalists Secretary General Eric Oduor said a recent government directive issued by the Principal Secretary for Broadcasting and Telecommunications Edward Kisiangani, directing all government agencies to exclusively air TV and radio adverts on Kenya Broadcasting Corporation (KBC) is the latest in a string of State actions designed to clamp down on Kenya's free media.

"This causes immense outrage and concern among independent media outlets in Kenya. These directives are not merely misguided – they are a blatant assault on the very foundations of a free and democratic society," said Zubeida.

KMSWG is a coalition of key media actors, bringing together journalists and other civil society organisations

Zubeida said the move by Kisiang'ani offends the principles of governance, especially that of exclusivity.

They claim recent similar action by Kisiang'ani is already the subject of public interest litigation.

"This State campaign has far-reaching consequences beyond silencing dissent. They represent a devastating blow to Kenya's independent media, already grappling with a decline in traditional revenue streams due to the rise of digital platforms," said Oduor.

They reiterated that the diversion of these resources exclusively to KBC will starve young independent media of crucial financial oxygen, potentially forcing closures, job losses, and a drastic reduction in the media landscape.

Zubeida was flanked by -The Africa Editors Forum President Churchill Otieno among officials from other organisations such as association of Media Women in Kenya, Article-19 Eastern Africa. Kenya Parliamentary Journalists Association among others.