In a conference convened by PEN KENYA in collaboration with Civic Freedoms Forum (CFF), Kenya Correspondents Association (KCA), Members of the fourth estate among other civil society organizations to deliberate on the shrinking civic space in Kenya, mainly to consolidate efforts and actions that will build a strong ecosystem for the press and CSOs in Kenya.
Mr. Chris Mbiti, Executive Director PEN KENYA in his delivery echoed that CSOs have the technical knowledge while the media have the capacity to stand in solidarity with public institutions as well as reach out to the public in embracing civic and political education to ensure government accountability on issues of civic and democratic space.
Acknowledging the efforts of the EU in supporting the initiative, the Chief Guest Mr. Ondrej Simek the Deputy Head of the delegation of the European Union to Kenya noted that there was an urgent need for continued protection of the civic space to guarantee human rights and democracy.
“Kenya has made a huge step in development and democracy, and a lot of neighboring countries are admiring these,” he concluded.
Center for Multiparty Democracy (CMD) Chairperson, Hon. Priscila Nyokabi echoed that the Civic space stakeholders must address the civic space problems if they are to realize any governance and political transformations. Indicating the need to unite around critical issues to spur transformations around political governance which had been slow despite the robust policies and laws in place.
“Journalists need to be tough; the civil society must also embrace solution-based approach to people-centered issues.’ stated Janak.
He also noted that for continued prosperity, there was the need to promote media independence, editorial credibility and editorial responsibility in the media.
Harrassment of the Media and Human Rights Defenders
The obstructed status of civic space in the country has increasingly exposed human rights defenders and the media to immeasurable threats.
Katiba Institute’s Patricia Joseph noted that President William Ruto’s regime has continuously used the law to stifle the civic space through increased attacks on journalists and human rights defenders.
“The attacks on journalists by police, barring the media from covering public interest issues and arrest of human rights defenders are on the rise,” she said.
She stressed the need to build synergies between journalists and civil societies in a bid to protect the democratic gains the country has achieved.
“This was one of the worst years for civic space in Kenya,” noted Civic Freedom Forum’s (CFF) Winnie Masai, pointing out the cases of government clamp down on the media and the human rights defenders during the recent political agitations, especially during demonstrations against the high cost of living.
Assistant Director Training and Curriculum Development at the Media Council of Kenya (MCK) Christine Nguku insisted on the urgent need to reform and reinforce the legal framework governing media operations.
“Some of our media laws are outdated or restrictive. These laws, policies and regulations must be amended to align with international standards ensuring that they do not encroach upon our press freedom,” Nguku reiterated.
She further urged the importance of developing transparent regulations to protect the journalists’ rights while holding the media sector accountable.
It was reiterated that both CSOs and the media are independent with complimentary mandates in ensuring transparency and accountability of the government, therefore ensuring access to information and Artificial Intelligence, security, wellbeing and protection of journalists and whistleblowers.
