Press Freedom in Kenya - a phenomenon of the past*

With a brand new media law, the Kenyan government has put a thick, fat red line through the concept of press freedom.

The bill, which was signed on January 2 by president Mwai Kibaki, was expected for quite a while yet nevertheless the Kenyan media are up in arms. Unfortunately, their protests against the law, have been rejected by the government.

The new legislation gives the Kenyan authorities the right and power to raid media offices, tap phones and control broadcast content on grounds of 'national security'. The ICT Bill also provides for heavy fines and prison sentences for reporters when found guilty of anti-government practices.

In a media release, Kibaki explained his decision: "I wish to reiterate the commitment of my government to the ideals of press freedom and democracy and assure the media and the public in general that we shall not roll back on the gains we have made in this regard."

"I however wish to appeal to the media to recognise that freedom must go hand in hand with responsibility. While press freedom is a cardinal pillar of democracy, this is a right that carries with it special duties and responsibilities."

In a response to the signing of the bill, media watchdog Reporters Without Borders said: "We do not understand President Kibaki's decision, which will seriously undermine civil liberties in his country."

* This is a follow-up of my NP story: Crushing Press Freedom: Kenya's Plans