This archive report was first published on 3 May 2021.
On World Press Freedom Day, May 3, 2021, UK Minister for Africa James Duddridge emphasized the importance of free media in a free and open society. He spoke at a regional virtual media event hosted by the Kenya Editors Guild (KEG) in Kenya.
According to the Minister, journalists play a crucial role in informing the public, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic, which has caused drastic economic disruptions around the globe. He hailed journalists for their efforts in keeping the public informed.
He also highlighted the work of the UK in improving the safety of journalists and fighting against impunity for crimes committed against them. The UK has been working through the Coalition and its partners, including UNESCO, to achieve this goal.
Additionally, the Minister pointed out that UK High Commissioner to Kenya Jane Marriott has been building a support network of female journalists in Kenya.
KEG President Churchill Otieno cautioned that the media might suffer more if the public trust is lost, for failing to highlight their plight. He emphasized the importance of doing independent journalism that speaks to the interests of the people.
Nation Media Group Chief Executive Officer Stephen Gitagama called for more capacity building for journalists to ensure they produce quality work. He challenged journalists to acquire relevant skills for today's world and address the gaps they have.
University of Nairobi lecturer Prof. George Nyabuga highlighted the need for more safety measures to ensure journalists are not attacked while executing their mandate. He also emphasized the need to review the curriculum to seal in the existing gaps and produce better-equipped media students.
Some of the recommendations from the virtual meeting include amending archaic laws that stifle press freedom and providing tax breaks and stimulus packages for the media sector.
World Press Freedom Day coincides with the 30th year anniversary of the 1991 Windhoek Declaration for the Development of a Free, Independent, and Pluralistic Press, which led the United Nations to proclaim World Press Freedom Day in 1993.
National Assembly Speaker Justin Muturi called on media owners in Kenya to ensure that journalists are well paid to protect their integrity. He emphasized that journalists deserve to be paid well to protect themselves from being captives of government and news sources.
