Cabinet Secretary for Information, Communications, and the Digital Economy Mr William Kabogo has reaffirmed the Government’s commitment to addressing the pressing issues within the media industry.
The CS says the industry’s growth is heavily dependent on sustainable and equitable environment for media operations.
“We acknowledge the challenges facing the media and will prioritise their resolution. Our focus is on creating a sustainable and fair operating environment”, he told his first meeting with media industry stakeholders including the Media Council of Kenya (MCK), Kenya Editors Guild (KEG), the Kenya Union of Journalists (KUJ), the Association of Media Women in Kenya (AMWIK) and the Digital Broadcasters Association, among others at his Nairobi office.
The Cabinet Secretary pledged to initiate regular media roundtables to facilitate ongoing dialogue on press freedom, media sustainability and effective public communication.
During the meeting, stakeholders reaffirmed the seven-point agenda previously established with the former Information, Communications, and the Digital Economy Cabinet Secretary, Dr Margaret Nyambura Ndung’u at a roundtable with industry stakeholders in Nairobi on 13 December 2024.
The comprehensive agenda encompasses critical industry concerns, including the settlement of outstanding media debts, the formulation of a transparent government advertising policy, the appointment of the Media Council Board and the Media Complaints Commission and reforms in the allocation of radio and television frequencies.
Others included the review of laws affecting media operations, the establishment of a dedicated media affairs department within the ministry, and the strengthening of the State broadcaster Kenya Broadcasting Corporation (KBC).
The engagement underscored the need for a collaborative approach in resolving challenges facing the industry, with media leaders reiterating their commitment to working with the government to create a conducive environment for journalism and media sustainability.
Key media leaders at the meeting included Media Council of Kenya CEO David Omwoyo, KEG President Zubeidah Kananu, KUJ Secretary General Eric Oduor and AMWIK Executive Director Quinter Mbori. Also in attendance were representatives of community radios and senior editors from various media houses, further reinforcing the sector’s unified voice in advocating for a stronger and more resilient media landscape.