NAKURU – Top media leaders have called on the government to stop threats and intimidation against journalists and media outlets, warning that continued coercion undermines press freedom and the right to information.
Speaking during a media leadership forum organized by the Media Council of Kenya (MCK) in Nakuru, Kenya Editors’ Guild President Zubeidah Kananu urged the government to uphold constitutional protections for journalists.
“We don’t need threats. We need space to do our work without fear or interference,” Kananu said. She emphasized that open dialogue, not hostility, is the path to a strong, independent press.
The forum brought together editors, journalists, and media rights advocates to push for reforms and better engagement with state institutions. The call for action comes amid growing concern over recent shutdown threats and accusations of bias leveled at news outlets by government officials.
Kenya Union of Journalists Secretary General Eric Oduor called for the Ministry of Information, Communications, and the Digital Economy to revise the country’s media policy. He said updated laws are critical to ensure the industry operates fairly and securely across all regions.
“We must have laws that work and policies that recognize the media as an essential pillar of society,” Oduor said.
Association of Media Women in Kenya Executive Director Queenter Mbori called for stronger partnerships between the media and the state. “The media is a national asset. A good partnership will help move the country forward,” Mbori noted.
In response, Cabinet Secretary William Kabogo said his office would consider all recommendations presented during the forum. “My door is open. Any resolutions you bring to my desk will be acted upon,” he said.
Kabogo, however, reminded the media to report responsibly, especially on matters involving vulnerable groups like children during protests. He said press freedom must be balanced with accountability and public interest.
MCK CEO David Omwoyo added that the media industry needs internal cohesion to face external threats. “Unless we come together and agree on what we want, we won’t solve the issues affecting our industry,” Omwoyo said.
He backed calls for policy reform, pointing out that Kenya’s media laws have remained largely unchanged for over a decade. Omwoyo said now is the time to revisit regulations to match the evolving media space, especially with the rise of digital platforms.
He urged journalists to commit to the revised 2025 Code of Conduct and ensure their reporting remains factual, verified, and fair.
The forum ended with a strong call for unity in the industry and continued dialogue with government officials. Media leaders expressed hope that the renewed engagement will lead to policy changes that protect press freedom and reinforce the role of journalism in Kenya’s democracy.
