This archive report was first published on 9 June 2020.
On June 5, 2020, the Media Council of Kenya (MCK) launched a Ksh100 million financial support initiative for community radio and television stations across the country, aiming to improve their work and life during the COVID-19 pandemic.
According to MCK chief executive David Omwoyo, the historic grant will reach more than 150 media houses, including 129 community radio and 25 TV stations, which have been struggling due to the pandemic.
Speaking at a virtual press conference, Omwoyo noted that the grant will help media houses to improve their work and life, and that the challenges brought about by COVID-19 have put a strain on media houses.
William Kisang, Chair of the Communication, Information, and Innovation Parliamentary Committee, underscored the importance of community radio in reaching grassroots, especially concerning the novel Coronavirus, COVID-19, in order to reduce stigma.
“This initiative will ensure that information reaches the grassroots and that members of the public are aware of and follow the safety measures put forward by the government to help flatten the curve,” Kisang said.
Chairman of the MCK, Maina Muriruri, thanked the Parliamentary Committee on Communication, Information and Innovation for providing the fund, and requested for more support in establishing a permanent solution for increasing plurality in media.
“The aim of this initiative is to help the media stand and get through this pandemic together. It will serve as a pilot and reference point for the Media Diversity Fund,” Muriruri said.
Kenya Community Media Network Coordinator Tom Mboya Odhiambo, urged media stakeholders to work on a permanent solution to foster media development, terming it as ‘overdue’.
“This initiative was long overdue as community media houses normally operate with little funding and numerous challenges. Funding needs to be made permanent and sustainable to enable community radio stations serve the communities,” Mboya said.
