DEFENDING PRESS FREEDOM: A CALL TO ACTION

By MAXIMILLA WAFULA & PATRICK KIMANZI

The COUNTY DIARY NEWS

Nairobi, May 3, 2024: The Kenya Correspondents Association (KCA) joins the global media community in commemorating World Press Freedom Day 2024. This day, originating from the UNESCO conference in Windhoek, Namibia in 1991, serves to appreciate the vital role of journalists and uphold the principles of press freedom worldwide.

Since its inception, World Press Freedom Day has been a beacon for defending freedom of speech, access to information, and media independence. However, these freedoms are increasingly under attack globally, necessitating collective action to safeguard them.

In Kenya, journalists face numerous challenges in their work. From physical attacks to online harassment and arbitrary arrests, journalists are targeted for their reporting on corruption, governance issues, and demands for accountability. The period since the 2022 General Elections has seen a surge in surveillance and attacks on journalists and media houses, both online and offline.

Leading media houses like Nation Media Group and the Standard Media Group have faced coordinated online attacks, threatening press freedom and civic space. Rural journalists are not spared from this campaign, highlighting the urgent need for journalists to counter such attacks and educate the public on their dangers.

KCA, in collaboration with Article 19 Eastern Africa and county networks, is marking World Press Freedom Day in 12 regions/counties across Kenya. The aim is to raise awareness on online safety, freedom of expression, and access to information, crucial elements for press freedom and citizen participation in democracy.

Mr. Hadson Araka Matara, the KCA National Chairman, reiterated the call for the government to investigate violations against the media and journalists. He urged media owners to treat journalists with dignity and provide adequate compensation for their work.

As journalists continue to serve the public amid challenging circumstances, KCA calls on civil society, media sector players, and the international community to join hands in defending press freedom and civil liberties.

On this World Press Freedom Day, let us stand together to protect the invaluable role of a free press in fostering democratic, peaceful, and stable societies.

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