Media industry stakeholders have called for strengthened collaborations with government agencies and review of media regulation mechanisms to address media industry challenges.
A meeting convened by the Media Council of Kenya (MCK) that brought together media leaders, government and law enforcement agencies called for enhanced relationship between the government and the media sector.
Chief Executive Officer of the Media Council of Kenya David Omwoyo emphasised the need for both parties to find “a common ground rather than engage in blame games”.
He highlighted the mutual dependence between the government and the media, stressing that both entities play crucial roles in the country's development.
"We need to stop branding the media as being anti-government while the media should also play its rightful role within the prescribed standards. Anyone fighting the media is out of order given the critical place of media in democracy and governance. There needs a mechanism for editors and government to constantly dialogue to improve relations", Mr Omwoyo stated.
The Principal Secretary, State Department for Broadcasting and Telecommunications Prof Edward Kisiang’ani, commended MCK for leading such engagements, saying they are key for industry conversations during these challenging times where issues such as misinformation and press safety take precedence.
“I assure all that the Ministry of Information, Communication and The Digital Economy is committed to upholding press freedom in Kenya. We appreciate that these are challenging times where misinformation remains a real threat and which must be addressed by all players. Such engagements are key for industry conversations and I commend MCK for leading them”, he said in his speech read on his behalf by the Secretary for Information Judy Munyinyi.
Kenya Union of Journalists Secretary General Eric Oduor said that happenings in our media space continue impacting Kenya’s World Press Freedom Index ranking negatively and added that industry players are ready to engage with government at all levels to change the index.
He said, “by engaging effectively, we will be able to collectively seek solutions to the challenges ailing the media industry, especially at these critical times in our country. Every institution is fundamental in moving our country forward”.
The Kenya Editors’ Guild President Zubeidah Kananu spoke against attacks and violence against journalists as the attacks on media have been heightened in the recent past.
“We nevertheless hope that appropriate action will be taken against those attacking journalists. At the same time, the media industry needs to align ethical conduct with the current times”, said Ms Kananu.
National Police Service Spokesperson Dr Resila Onyango defended the service and decried misinformation about law enforcement especially during riotous situations and relationship with the media.
“The relationship with the media is under the police service standing orders and is taken very seriously. Police officers do not target the media and when this happens they have to be investigated by the Internal Affairs Unit and Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA). Nobody is above the law. Let us not vilify the entire police force when a few officers make mistakes”, she said.
Communications Authority of Kenya Director General David Mugonyi underscored the place of free and independent media in Kenya and called for responsibility by all actors.
"Whether in government or the media, we all have a duty to the Constitution and the laws of this country: this is our shared foundation. This is what unites us. A media that is truly free is one that is chained to the truth, to objectivity, to impartiality, to fairness and to a diversity of opinion. The government has a responsibility to allow journalists to honour their responsibility to society without intimidation or coercion", he said in a speech read on his behalf by Director for Corporate Communications, Chris Wambua.
Stakeholders present at the dialogue echoed Mr Omwoyo's sentiments, pointing out that the evolving media landscape requires adaptive regulatory frameworks that protect freedom of expression while ensuring responsible journalism. The call for collaboration reflects a broader desire to create an environment where the media can operate freely and effectively while contributing positively to national development.