The Ministry of ICT, Innovation and Youth Affairs Cabinet Secretary Hon Joe Mucheru has affirmed commitment to support the development of a robust media policy to promote and defend the overall public interest for the public and common good of all Kenyans.
The CS said this when he held an inaugural meeting with members of the Taskforce on the Kenya Media Policy Guidelines where he urged them to commit themselves to give a robust policy to guide media operations in Kenya.
The team comprises journalists, media academics and members of journalism professional associations.
The Taskforce will review the Kenya Media Policy Guidelines developed in 2009, identify any gaps or inconsistencies in the policy guidelines and propose specific policy and legislative review requirements.
CS Mucheru urged members of the team to reach out to all corners of the Republic to collect views from Kenyans for consideration. “Public participation is key, and we would like to hear Kenyans’ perception of the media and areas that need to change”, said the CS.
“The media space has undergone massive transformation and it is therefore critical that we keep up with the times and define media appropriately. We expect the taskforce to give us a policy that will drive us into the next decade”, said CS Mucheru.
He added that the new policy guidelines will transform the media sector in Kenya, including defining content, creating employment opportunities and placing Kenya as a media investment destination.
“We anticipate that the new policy will guide investment in media and enable our citizens to make money out of their creativity”, said the CS.
The CS also called on the media to uphold responsibility while reporting, adding that runaway fake news has immensely impacted credibility of information coming from mainstream media.
The Principal Secretary, State Department of Broadcasting and Telecommunication at the Ministry of ICT, Innovation and Youth Affairs Ms Esther Koimett urged the team to engage widely for it to develop a sound policy that will ensure effective media operations in Kenya.
The taskforce is chaired by Mr Henry Maina assisted by Dr Dorothy Njoroge. Members are Ms Judy Munyinyi, Mr Victor Bwire Ms Dinah Ondari, Dr Wilson Ugangu, Dr Muiru Ngugi, Ms June Chepkemei, Mr Ibrahim Oduor, Mr John Munyiri, Mr Christopher Maina, Ms Judie Kaberia and Ms Casty Micheni.
The team has three months to submit a reviewed Kenya Media Policy Guidelines. The Media Council of Kenya is the secretariat of the taskforce.
Media Council of Kenya CEO Mr David Omwoyo said the Council will support the team pursuant to its mandate of setting standards and ensuring compliance, while promoting professionalism and freedom of the media.