Ministry of Information, Communications and the Digital Economy Cabinet Secretary Eliud Owalo has urged media stakeholders to work in harmony to ensure professionalism and efficiency in addressing matters affecting the sector as constitution of a new Council gets underway.
The CS today visited the Media Council of Kenya head office in Nairobi for a familiarisation tour of Kenya's media regulator, where he was hosted by Media Council of Kenya CEO David Omwoyo. He was accompanied by key ministry officials, who included the Principal Secretary in the State Department for Broadcasting and Telecommunications at the Ministry Prof Edward Kisiang'ani.
CS Owalo pledged the government's support towards ensuring a conducive environment for the media to undertake its mandate.
“Constructive working relationship between all stakeholders in the sector is paramount for the industry. I will soon convene a meeting of key stakeholders in the industry with a view to addressing emerging issues and forging a united front among the integral players, moving forward”, he said.
He said his Ministry will review its Strategic Plan in consultation with all stakeholders, including the Media Council of Kenya.
“The Ministry will soon commence the development of its Strategic Plan. MCK will take part in the process as one of our stakeholders after which it will be expected to align its Strategic Plan with the Ministry’s”, said Mr Owalo.
The CS revealed that plans to establish a new Council are afoot, following the formation of a selection panel that will recruit new members of the MCK Board, known as the Council.
“We want to start afresh, and the call will be open to everyone, including members of the previous board”, he said.
He also pledged to fastrack pending matters to enable the regulator to effectively fulfil its mandate.
During the visit, the CS met with the senior management at the Council and part of the Complaints Commission where he was taken through the mandates of both entities.
MCK CEO Mr David Omwoyo said the Council is in the process of reviewing its 5-year Strategic Plan that has just elapsed, with a view to align the Council’s activities with emerging media trends and government support to media operations in Kenya.