Poor pay dominates Kenya’s World Press Freedom Day celebrations
By Alvin.Mwangi, May 3, 2024Kenya joined other nations in celebrating the World Press Freedom Day with calls to address the perennial poor pay and government threats taking centre stage.
Stakeholders led by the Media council of Kenya MCK, Kenya union of Journalists KUJ) and Kenya Editors Guild said journalists deserve better remuneration commensurate with their day’s work and country’s high cost of living.
They emphasized that financial independence for individual journalists is equal to the overall independence of the media thus media freedom.
“In making our shrill voices heard, we must re-imagine the media’s role in fostering accountability, justice and transparency. On this day, it’s imperative to build on the gains and address attendant challenges with sobriety and precision,” said MCK CEO David Omwoyo.
Lack of security while covering key events and Digital media onslaught was also pointed out as another challenge facing journalists in Kenya.
Data from the state of the media 2023/24 also revealed changing consumer behaviour, division among media stakeholders and spread of fake news as other key challenges.
President KEG Zubeidah Kananu who was represented by her vice Ruth Nesoba said the media will continue to do stories especially exposing rot without fear or favor.
“We will continue to do stories that expose irresponsible actors, be it the government or the people. We will continue to hold the government to account for not only its actions, inaction, and omissions but also its commitment to obligations, including promises made on environmental wellness; protection, sustainable use, and conservation. We will continue to demand transparency in governance for a greater good. We will continue to critically analyze the policies and the laws we are implementing to ensure they serve the greatest good of the greatest majority of the people,” said Kananu.
Kananu further called on parliament to not only hasten to repeal the laws crafted to hold media in bondage but also to enact new and progressive laws supporting media roles.