The 2nd Annual Media-Civil Society Organizations (CSO) Conference, held on November 12, 2024 Nairobi, provided a critical platform to discuss the evolving digital landscape and its impact on media freedoms, democracy, and civic engagement. Convened by PEN Kenya through Civic Freedoms Forum (CFF) and the Kenya Correspondents Association (KCA) focused on the theme: Safeguarding Freedoms in the Digital Age: Protecting Voices, Advancing Technology, and Ensuring Access.
During the Conference, keynote speaker H.E. Henrietta Geiger, EU Ambassador to Kenya, highlighted the shrinking civic space globally and Kenya’s relative resilience. She emphasized the media and civil society’s crucial watchdog role, despite challenges like economic constraints, censorship, and digital misinformation. The EU reaffirmed its commitment to press freedom, supporting investigative journalism, and safeguarding fundamental freedoms through legal frameworks and funding initiatives.
William Oloo Janak, Chair of KCA, underscored the interdependence of media and civil society in shaping national discourse. He called for enhanced synergy between the two sectors to counter state repression and digital threats. The discussion acknowledged that media and civil society must remain independent actors that hold power accountable.
Participants during panel discussions delved into pressing issues affecting journalism and civic space. A key concern was the increasing intimidation and self-censorship among journalists, worsened by economic pressures and threats against Human Rights Defenders. The role of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in shaping media was also explored, with experts stressing the need for ethical AI governance to combat misinformation while preserving free speech.
The conference also examined the role of digital platforms in activism and political engagement. Davis Malombe, CFF Board Chairperson, emphasized the necessity of complementing digital activism with physical mobilization. He warned of state efforts to suppress online organizing, citing the misuse of laws such as the Computer Misuse and Cybercrime Act to stifle dissent.
Journalist and whistleblower protection was also mentioned. Speakers from the Witness Protection Agency (WPA) and Transparency International emphasized the need for stronger legal frameworks to shield individuals exposing corruption and abuse of power. The ongoing push for a Whistleblower Protection Bill featured as a crucial step in securing journalist safety.
The conference called for more robust partnerships between media houses, CSOs, and international organizations. Stakeholders urged continuous advocacy for policy reforms, the expansion of investigative journalism, and the adoption of sustainable revenue models for media outlets.
As Kenya navigates the digital era, the 2nd Annual Media-CSO Conference reinforced the urgent need for collective action in defending fundamental freedoms, ensuring media viability, and leveraging technology to empower civic engagement.
