The Media Council of Kenya celebrated the International Day to End Impunity and Crimes against Journalists (IDEI) on November 2nd 2020, at the Sarova Stanley Hotel in Nairobi, under the theme: Keeping Truth Alive. IDEI is an annual event held in commemoration of the assassination of two French journalists in Mali. The event condemns all attacks and violence against journalists and media workers. It calls upon States to promote a safe and enabling environment for journalists to perform their work independently and without undue interference.
This year’s event was presided over by, H.E Kyle McCarter, the US Ambassador to Kenya amongst other key speakers. In his speech, Mr. McCarter stated that media must demand high ethical standards of public figures and government officials. He also urged journalists and media houses to exhibit the same standards and ethical behaviors noting that failure to do so meant that the fight against corruption and misinformation would not succeed.
While giving her opening remarks, Ms. Esther Koimett, CBS, Principal Secretary at the State Department of Broadcasting and Telecommunication, and Broadcasting, Ministry of ICT, Innovation and Youth Affairs reiterated on the government’s commitment on the growth and expansion of the media which has been evident through the effort in the support on protection of media freedom, training and sustainability interventions, especially during the pandemic.
Dr. Sule Aker, President, World Association of Press Councils (WAPC) emphasized on the need to hold more conferences and create awareness on the acts of impunity against journalists.
Mr. Maina Muiruri, Chairman, MCK, stated that when attacks on journalism remain unpunished, it encouraged violation of the rights of journalists. Other speakers from media associations and support groups resonated around the notion that most cases on impunity against journalists remain inconclusive and need to be investigated.
Some of the highlights from the meeting were on the need for the state to help conclude cases on impunity against journalists, as violations of rights against journalists were on a significant rise, especially in counties. Retrenchment and pay cuts that has forced journalists to become freelancers relying on online platforms. It was estimated that a third of women journalists faced some form of intimidation online. This has led to the emerging need to protect journalists in the digital space.
The Media Council of Kenya launched two reports on Violations of Media Freedom during COVID-19 Pandemic and Sexual Harassment in the Media. According to the survey on violations on media freedom, journalists were routinely subjected to attacks mainly by security forces and the public. 27% of the cases reported were investigated and not completed by police. Most journalists and media practitioners whose rights were violated were reluctant to report the cases. On sexual harassment, 62% of journalists have been subjected to some form of sexual harassment in their working environment. It is estimated that 52% are female while 48% are male.
Media houses were put on the spotlight for harboring offences especially on sexual harassment. The COVID-19 has been an eye opener that, many media houses were taking advantage of the pandemic to harass journalists and violate their rights. This has brought about the need to address structural and legal policies within media houses which will reinforce the protection of rights of journalists. There is need for partnership and collaborations with the National Police Service to reinforce, support, and safeguard safety and protection of journalists while in line of duty. It is also important that everyone in the society bears the duty of fighting impunity against journalists. The media houses need to protect the rights and privileges of journalists, within their organizations.