By Mercy A.
Media stakeholders have called for urgent reforms, stronger protections for journalists and renewed commitment to ethical reporting as the country approaches a critical political period.
Speaking during World Press Freedom Day at Strathmore University, Supreme Court Judge Isaac Lenaola underscored that press freedom is not optional in a democracy but a shared constitutional responsibility.
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He warned that accuracy alone is not enough, stressing that the tone and framing of news can significantly shape public behaviour and national stability.
“Accuracy alone is not enough. The tone in which news is disseminated carries equal weight. How we project news can influence public behaviour, and journalists must be deliberate about that responsibility,” he said.
Justice Lenaola cautioned that rising political intolerance is eroding institutional trust and weakening the country’s ability to resolve disputes peacefully, adding that any attempt to undermine media freedom ultimately undermines democracy itself.
He reaffirmed the judiciary’s role in safeguarding constitutional rights and ensuring journalists operate in a safe, independent environment.
At the policy level, the government signalled sweeping changes aimed at strengthening the media sector in the face of rapid technological disruption.
At the centre of it is a comprehensive review of key legal frameworks, including the Kenya Information and Communications Act and the Media Council Act, alongside a broader national press freedom policy.
The reforms are intended to ensure that emerging technologies, including artificial intelligence, enhance rather than erode public trust in the media.
The Media Council of Kenya presented an assessment of the threats facing journalists, with Chairman Maina Muiruri revealing that the Council had documented dozens of press freedom violations over the past year, ranging from harassment and intimidation to physical attacks.
He pointed to an emerging trend in which political actors allegedly deploy proxies to silence critical voices, describing the pattern as deeply troubling and unacceptable.
“We have observed a disturbing new pattern in which politicians deploy hired individuals to intimidate and silence journalists. This is unacceptable, and we condemn it unreservedly,” he said.
With the 2027 General Election on the horizon, Muiruri warned that such violations are likely to intensify, making it imperative for all stakeholders to act collectively to protect journalists and uphold democratic values.
MCK Chief Executive Officer David Omwoyo highlighted the rapidly shifting media landscape, drawing from the latest State of the Media Report.
He noted that social media has overtaken traditional platforms as the leading source of news for many Kenyans, signalling a profound transformation in how information is consumed.
While public confidence in the media remains relatively high, Omwoyo said concerns about bias persist, particularly in coverage of government affairs.
“63 per cent of Kenyans cannot identify AI-generated content, and 61 per cent have used AI-powered media platforms,” he noted, highlighting the pressing need for greater media literacy and transparency.
This, he said, underscores the urgent need for transparency, ethical standards and public education to maintain credibility in an increasingly complex information environment.
Security agencies also weighed in on the relationship between law enforcement and the media with the National Police Service spokesperson Muchiri Nyaga rejecting the notion that security and press freedom are in conflict.
Instead, he said that both are constitutional responsibilities that must be balanced with professionalism and integrity and reaffirmed the Service’s commitment to protecting journalists and ensuring they can operate without fear, while also urging responsible reporting that does not compromise public safety.
Kenya Union of Journalists Deputy Secretary General Vincent Owino condemned attacks on journalists, citing recent incidents of violence during protests as evidence of the sector’s vulnerability.
He called for greater investment in journalism through fair pay, training and mentorship, arguing that a secure and well-supported workforce is essential for a thriving media industry.
Kenya Editors Guild President Zubeida Kananu emphasized the importance of accountability and professionalism, urging journalists to resolve disputes through formal mechanisms and avoid both physical and digital intimidation.
She stressed that a peaceful and informed society depends on a media sector that is both free and responsible.
The Kenya Correspondents Association echoed these sentiments, calling for stronger collaboration between government, media stakeholders and civil society to create a safe and enabling environment for journalism.
“The media serves communities and the societal good;and that the media must be responsive and sensitive to different segments of the communities they serve, where the weak, the marginalized and the minorities find space for expressing their demands for good governance, accountability, and socio-economic rights”, said KCA National Chairman, Hudson Araka Matara
The association highlighted the media’s critical role in amplifying the voices of marginalized communities and promoting accountability, urging all actors to foster a climate free from threats, intimidation and censorship.
It also warned against the dangers of misinformation and disinformation, particularly as the country heads toward the 2027 elections, and called for improved access to information to support accurate reporting.
In Eldoret, sports journalists were challenged to rethink how they engage with athletes and tell their stories, with a strong emphasis on empathy, depth and ethical conduct.
The forum, also organised by MCK, highlighted the need for a shift from result-driven coverage to storytelling that captures the human experiences behind sport.
Veteran journalist Elius Makori urged reporters to invest in preparation and knowledge, noting that impactful storytelling begins long before an interview takes place.
He emphasized the importance of asking thoughtful questions that encourage athletes to share meaningful experiences, rather than resorting to superficial or confrontational approaches.
“Good questions do not just seek answers; they spark meaningful conversations,” he said, adding that trust between journalists and athletes is essential for authentic reporting.
MCK Nakuru Regional Coordinator Mecha Joseph reinforced the call for ethical journalism, stressing that sports coverage must be grounded in verified facts and must not become a source of harm or pressure for athletes.
He urged journalists to exercise sensitivity, particularly when covering individuals facing setbacks, injuries or personal challenges.
According to Mecha, the true test of journalism lies not in how it celebrates success, but in how it handles moments of vulnerability.
Sports journalism expert Benard Rotich highlighted the opportunities presented by digital platforms, encouraging journalists to embrace new formats such as podcasts and online features to expand their reach and sustainability.
He noted that the future of journalism will depend on the ability to adapt to changing audience habits while maintaining high standards of quality and credibility.
Senior athletics coach Nicholas Koech provided valuable insight into the world of athletes, explaining the discipline, sacrifice and mental resilience required to compete at elite levels.
His perspective offered journalists a deeper understanding of the contexts they report on, enabling more accurate and empathetic storytelling.
