This archive report was first published on 6 December 2019.
On December 6, 2019, Cabinet Secretary for Information, Communications and Technology, Joe Mucheru, reaffirmed the government's commitment to supporting a free media in Kenya.
Speaking at the Editors' Annual Conference in Mombasa, Mucheru emphasized the government's role in promoting press freedom and a free media for development.
According to Mucheru, the government supports a free media, citing the increase in media houses, with over 170 radio stations and over 70 TV stations, resulting in a larger audience.
However, he noted that advertising revenue has been shrinking, which is not related to governance.
Mucheru acknowledged the need to address the Media Council's Complaints Commission, suggesting it become like the Ombudsman Office, and assured that his Ministry is looking into it.
He reiterated the government's provision of facilities, including the creation of an independent Media Council with industry membership, and emphasized that the government's funding is the only connection between the two.
Mucheru expressed satisfaction with the Media Council's independence, regulated by a Board that makes decisions, and cited unresolved matters he raised at the Council's complaint Commission.
He conveyed the government's commitment to ensuring a free media, under President Uhuru Kenyatta, and shared the President's thoughts on media freedom in an earlier conversation.
