By Mandere Onyinkwa
A legislator has called on Parliament to investigate what he describes as “systematic exploitation and racial discrimination” against Kenyan journalists working for international media organizations operating in the country.
Ojiambo Oundo, the Member of Parliament for Funyula Constituency, raised the matter before the National Assembly, urging the Departmental Committee on Labour to probe the alleged violations of labour rights by global outlets such as BBC Africa, CNN, Reuters, Bloomberg, AFP, Al Jazeera, and Voice of America.
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In his statement, Dr. Oundo said Kenyan journalists have “for many years been subjected to systemic and pervasive discrimination in both hiring practices and remuneration.”
He lamented that local journalists are “often paid far less than their foreign counterparts despite serving in similar roles within the same organizations.”
The MP cited cases where Kenyan reporters earn as little as Kshs. 1,500 per month while foreign journalists performing similar duties receive up to Kshs. 150,000.
“This wage gap is not only discriminatory but also unjustifiable,” he said, noting that Kenyan journalists frequently take on high-risk assignments, including coverage in conflict zones.
Dr. Oundo further accused some bureau chiefs of blacklisting Kenyan journalists and denying them access to press briefings and professional opportunities.
“These discriminatory practices have not only undermined the professional growth of Kenyan journalists but also perpetuated a culture of racial discrimination and exploitation within the media industry,” he added.
He called for government intervention to enforce constitutional provisions on equal pay and protect journalists who speak out against unfair treatment.
“It is time the relevant agencies took decisive action to ensure Kenyan journalists are accorded dignity, fairness, and protection from retaliation,” Dr. Oundo told the House.
The Speaker approved the request, paving the way for the Labour Committee to respond to the concerns raised.
