The International Press Institute (IPI) welcomed indications that Kenyan President Uhuru Kenyatta has refused to sign a controversial media bill approved by parliament last month.
According to IPI and Kenyan media organisations, the draft law would give a government-appointed panel the authority to regulate who can work as journalists and the power to impose fines if a new code of conduct is violated.
The IPI also advised lawmakers to stop other attempts to assert more government control over the media.
Commented Alison Bethel McKenzie, IPI executive director: “President Kenyatta must stand firm against legislation that would give the government unconstitutional influence over journalists.
“Part 2 of the Constitution specifically bans state interference in the news media or state-imposed penalties for reporting the news. The next step is for parliament to scrap its plans to insert political control over decisions that properly belong in newsrooms or in Kenya’s independent media organisations.’
Joseph Odindo, chairman of the Media Council of Kenya and editorial director of the Nation Media Group, said: “The president is right to reject the bill. When he returns it to parliament, we hope the MPs will consult the industry and draw up a law that promotes open government and free expression. Every law should be consistent with the Constitution.”
