This archive report was first published on 8 August 2019.
On August 8, 2019, the Media Council of Kenya CEO David Omwoyo spoke at the Annual Media Summit 2019 in Nairobi, highlighting the need for transparency in the media industry.
Omwoyo emphasized that media houses must be transparent about their ownership, leadership structures, and editorial decision-making processes. He stated, "Media must be transparent about their ownership, leadership structures and who makes editorial decisions. We must know who owns the dog for us to know if the dog is barking at the right thief."
While some media houses, such as Nation Media Group and Standard Group, have publicly disclosed their ownership structures, many others have not. Prominent personalities, including politicians, have been linked to a majority of these media houses.
Omwoyo also stressed the role of the media in serving the public interest, noting that journalists have a duty to annoy the government when it is too comfortable. He called on the government to release critical information to the media, while urging journalists to use such information responsibly.
Going forward, Omwoyo identified the need for strategic reforms, including audience measurement and the general welfare of journalists. He also highlighted the importance of defining the role and space of public broadcasters, community radio stations, and established media.
