This archive report was first published on 6 May 2020.
On World Press Freedom Day, marked on May 3, 2020, the media sector's milestones and obstacles faced by journalists in the line of duty were reflected upon.
The theme of this year's World Press Freedom Day, 'Journalism without fear or favour,' summarises journalists' obstacles to serve public interest. However, the day was marked in an unprecedented environment as the global media, like other sectors, suffers an assault from the COVID-19 pandemic.
The threats to media freedom have been business interests, government, politicians, underworld gangs, and law enforcers. Interestingly, none has been spared by this virus that has top scientists grappling with a cure or even vaccine.
President Uhuru Kenyatta's administration has listed the media among the frontline players in the war against the pandemic, underscoring its key role in informing the public and rallying the country to a public cause.
With the immense job losses and pay cuts, there is a need for collective effort in developing a recovery strategy to put the industry back on a growth trajectory. A strong media will equally complement the overall reconstruction plan for the post-COVID-19 economy.
According to the latest press freedom index, Kenya ranks at position 103, from 96 last year. This is because major factors critical to a free media have been ignored over the past seven years.
