This archive report was first published on 3 May 2021.
On May 3, 2021, Kenya joins the rest of the world in celebrating World Press Freedom Day, a day that highlights the importance of a free and independent press. However, this year's celebrations come at a time when journalists in the country are facing unprecedented challenges, including physical attacks and harassment by police and other state officers.
Since the first COVID-19 case was reported in March 2020, many journalists have been working under strenuous conditions, facing censorship, intimidation, or violence. According to rights groups, over 600 journalists have been retrenched, and many have endured pay cuts or long delays in salary payment during the pandemic.
A September 2020 report by Article 19, a human rights organization, revealed that at least 48 journalists had been attacked or restrained from doing their work during the pandemic. The report highlighted the challenges faced by mainstream media houses, which have been hardest hit by the pandemic.
One such incident was the attack on David Omurunga, a journalist at Milele FM, who was accosted by police officers in Nakuru Town. The incident depicts how security personnel in Kenya have curtailed press freedom.
Early last month, the Media Council of Kenya (MCK) CEO, David Omwoyo, condemned the harassment of journalists by police enforcing lockdown in Nakuru county. Despite journalists being listed as essential service providers, police continue to harass and assault journalists.
On the occasion of World Press Freedom Day, Jane Marriott, the British High Commissioner to Kenya, pledged her government's commitment to advocating for press freedom. She emphasized the importance of an independent and sustainable media, with laws, policies, and professionals to serve society.
The theme for this year's celebrations is 'Information as a Public Good,' which calls for the affirmation of the importance of cherishing information and exploring ways to strengthen journalism, advance transparency, and empowerment while leaving no one behind.
