Kenya has commended UNESCO for its work in ensuring safety of journalists, freedom of expression and access to information both online and offline, Ms Esther Koimett, the Principal Secretary for State Department of Broadcasting and Telecommunications Ministry of ICT, Innovation and Youth Affairs and Head of Delegation of the Communication and Information Programme at the 41st UNESCO General Conference told the delegates in Paris.
Ms Koimett noted that Kenya supports the strategy for the development of inclusive language policies and frameworks to safeguard multilingualism as well as support from UNESCO in fostering access to information.
The PS noted that Kenya acknowledged the importance of developing policies related to freedom of expression, press freedom, safety of journalists including women journalists and the right of information both online and offline.
She stated that the country supports strategies for information and knowledge especially through research in artificial intelligence, identification, preservation, and accessibility of documentary heritage.
She further noted that Kenya welcomes the strategy to provide technical guidance to member states to enable them to develop and implement comprehensive national Media and Information Literacy policies and strategies globally.
“Kenya notes the rapid rate at which its citizens have adopted digital technologies and appreciates the initiatives by UNESCO to develop ethical standards, norms, and frameworks for action to meet the challenges of these technologies and digital transformations”, Said Ms Koimett.
Ms Koimett said that Kenya appreciates the new flagship Programme on Harnessing New and Emerging Technologies for Sustainable Development in Africa including through the Implementation of the Recommendation on the Ethics of Artificial Intelligence. “Kenya is of the opinion that this is a cross cutting flagship that covers all sectors in UNESCO”, she said.