August 2019              

By Cheruiyot Korir /Mercy Majuek

Television and radio program producers should provide coverage on  Africa’s technological innovations and inspiring stories and share them with the world in order to cultivate a good image about the continent.

The Principal Secretary for ICT Jerome Ochieng said producers should transform the image of Kenya and the continent in general by influencing perception and attitude of Africa through positive coverage.

Mr Jerome spoke when he officially launched the Spice FM and Vybez Radio at the Standard Group Offices along the Mombasa road today.

As a watch dogs of the society, the Principal Secretary noted, the media should utilize the spectrum space responsibly to facilitate citizens access to credible information that will build a robust democratic society.

He said the media is an important partner to the government in driving the development agenda of the country.

He observed that freedom of the press is an important aspect in promoting democratic values, good governance and in the shaping of credible political formations and their legitimacy.

He pointed out that the government would protect the media and would punish those who violate the rights of journalists. He said the media houses should also put in place mechanisms to protect their journalists.

Spice FM seeks to promote conversations on radio, while Vybes serve as a platform for the youth to articulate pertinent issues on governance, health, education, and general information.

Currently, there are over 62 free-to-air TV stations and over 178 FM stations that have created employment to some of the 3000-documented journalist working in both the print and electronic field.