Kenya
Proposed media bill a threat to journalismPosted Jul 20 2007
The Kenyan government's decision to introduce a bill undermining the media's independence in Kenya has raised concerns among the media owners and other public figures about the government's true intentions.
The Kenya Union of Journalists, media owners, several professional organizations and the House Committee on the Administration of Justice, chaired by Kabete Member of Parliament Paul Muite, alleged that the new legislation will impose restrictions on the press and violate the freedom of expression. which is in the country's constitution. They have called for its withdrawal.
Titled the Media Bill 2007, which is still being debated in Parliament, it establishes a statutory, but self-regulatory, press council known as the Media Council of Kenya, or MCK. The bill also provides for a complaints committee that has the power to remove a journalist from a registered list or deny a journalist accreditation.
The MCK will have 15 members drawn from journalists, media owners, the Kenyan Law Society and Trade Unions, among others. The Union's chair will be appointed by the Minister of Information and Communications and may not be a member of the media .
The bill also provides for a statutory code of ethics, and a legal defense for journalists seeking to protect the confidentiality of their sources.
Koigi Wamwere, assistant minister of Information and communications, said the bill will enhance press freedom, curb misuse of media power, professionalize journalism and eradicate corruption by promoting the welfare of journalists.
The International Commission of Jurists, or ICJ, are calling for major amendments to the Media Bill.
“Passing the bill as it is would curtail the free flow of information,” ICJ Executive Director George Kegoro said. “This bill is bad as it strikes at the root of freedom of information, We accept that the media has its shortcomings, but it appears that the bill is being brought in to settle scores.”.