- Hitherto, media practitioners in Kenya are usually threatened and embarrassed.
- Despite the challenges, media must seek truth and report it.
- The welfare of every journalist is paramount.
Yesterday, the world joined in celebrating Press Freedom Day, set by the United Nations General Assembly to raise awareness on the importance of the press and remind governments of their duty to uphold the right to freedom of expression.
This right is enshrined under Article 19 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights: “Everyone has the right of freedom of opinion and expression; this right includes freedom to hold opinions without interference and to seek, receive and impart information and ideas through any media and regardless of frontiers.”
The World Press Freedom Day 2023 (WPFD23) was anchored under the theme Shaping a Future of Rights: Freedom of expression as a driver for all other human rights.
Promoting gender-responsive society
The Association of Media Women in Kenya (AMWIK) Executive Director, Patience Nyange petitioned for the freedom of the press in the Annual Media Summit 2023 held at Safari Park, Nairobi.
In her opening remarks, Ms. Nyange was impressed by the faith bestowed in women for leadership positions as she congratulated the newly-elected leadership at the Kenya Editor’s Guild.
“Ni wakati wa uongozi wa akina mama (It’s time for women leadership). Congratulations to you, my sister in the profession, Madam Zubeida Kananu, on your election as the KEG President,” Nyange congratulated the first female President of KEG since its inception in 1998.
Ms. Nyange assured the association’s support in the journey of the female leader.
“We are here to support your journey, all the way. Call on us, we are happy to walk the journey with you,” she added.
AMWIK was founded before the UN Women’s Conference held in Nairobi in 1985, when women’s voices received little or no attention in the media.
“Our mission is to see a society that enhances and promotes equitable development, human rights and women’s rights.
We seek to use the media to promote an informed and gender-responsive society in Kenya and Africa,” the executive director noted.
Media’s responsibility for human rights
Journalists in previous workshops and celebrations have continually been challenged to uphold their role as human rights defenders based on their investigation, monitoring and documentation roles.
A lack of respect for media freedom has a negative impact on the rights of every individual and, ultimately, on the stability of our nation.
Ms. Nyange noted that free media is essential to human rights because, without information, communities will not know what is going on locally, nationally, or internationally.
“The ability of our citizens to respond to laws, policies, and events— including human rights violations—is limited by ignorance. Free media has a responsibility to share information and helps explain that information to the public in a clear, accessible way,” she explained.
She urged the media to duly play its duty to hold people in power accountable by asking fundamental questions on how they can work to protect human rights over causing harm.
“When it comes to news media, there are journalistic ethics and standards. We must seek truth and report it, minimize harm, act independently, and be accountable and transparent,” advised the director.
As a result of the major role played by the media to safeguard human rights, it faces opposition, which poses threats to media practitioners.
“To protect human rights, we must first ensure that the media and journalists are protected and in a bigger way, offer more protection to women journalists,” she stated.
Women journalists in the country have been victims of punitive laws, sexual harassment and physical abuse as seen in the recent coverage of the mass protests.
Kenya’s fragile press freedom
Press freedom in Kenya is not always guaranteed and remains delicate thus need for more efforts to safeguard and promote this essential democratic right.
According to the World Press Freedom Index 2022, Kenya is ranked position 69 out of 180 countries, an improvement from position 120 in 2021.
However, the industry still faces countless barriers despite the jump.
“Journalists face threats, censorship, and persecution for simply doing their job. The government and those in power often attempt to suppress the press and control the narrative, making it challenging for journalists to do their work and report the truth.
Some media outlets have also been shut down or suspended for allegedly violating regulations or broadcasting content that is considered critical of the government,” Nyange addressed the issue of freedom of the press in Kenya.
Nyange explained that media freedom was the only way to keep a functional democracy in the country. Effective communication helps citizens participate in national decision-making and be aware of their civil duties.
“Journalists are vital in the process of sharing information and communicating issues of public interest; this communication allows for citizens to effectively participate within civil society,” she stated.
Urgency for independent journalism
Commemorating this day is a “call to action” period for stakeholders and media practitioners to invest in quality journalism through reporting fairly and accurately, regardless of the current challenges facing the media.
Independence creates an enabling environment for free media which is not only essential for ensuring media pluralism but also to develop and sustain inclusive and robust democratic societies.
“It is our duty and responsibility to ensure that Kenya does not depart from its commitments towards promoting and protecting freedom of expression, freedom of information and freedom of the media, including access to media and information.
The government must also recognize that independent media and freedom of expression are vital for stable and peaceful societies,” Ms. Nyange stated.
While addressing scribes and stakeholders at the Annual Media Summit, KEG president Zubeidah Koome noted that it is a journalist’s constitutional right to work freely.
Ms. Koome notes that lack of independence has led to challenges in media practice as practitioners cannot go by their duties without hindrance.
“The recent case of Shakahola is a good example where journalists have been barred from covering the story,” Ms. Koome said.
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In her agenda as the KEG president, Koome guaranteed to fight for the freedom of the media, among other major duties such as steering advocacy for gender mainstreaming and defending the welfare of editors and journalists.
