It’s difficult to talk about freedom of the media in Africa today, without talking about the worrying events happening in East Africa, particularly in Kenya and Tanzania.
Restrictions of and challenges to the media in these countries illustrate current declines in media freedom at the regional level, and reveal a level of hostility toward the media and contraction of civic space openly encouraged by leaders.
The Media Council of Kenya has recently revealed it is monitoring counties that are hostile to members of the press ahead of the 2022 general elections.
The council identified Nyandarua and Siaya counties as the most hostile to journalists.
“We have witnessed several attacks in these areas,” Mr Bwire said, adding they are also observing social media use as it is being used as a “character assassination forum”.
The MCK will also engage county bosses in helping journalists access correct information as part of efforts to improve their relationship.
“We all have duties but the bigger one is service to residents,” he said. “Access to correct information will help residents participate in the counties development agenda.”
Regarding cases of attacks and harassment of journalists in Nyandarua County, the official said they would follow them up to their conclusions.
After consultations with Nyandarua Speaker Wahome Ndegwa, he said, it was decided that the two bodies will jointly conduct trainings on better relations between journalists and the county.