Cabinet Secretary for Information, Communications and Technology Joe Mucheru confers with (from left) Principal Secretary Broadcasting and Telecommunications Sammy Itemere, Linus Kaikai, Chairman Editors Guild, and Charles Kerich, Chairman Media Council of Kenya,at a Nairobi hotel where he was the Chief Guest during World Press Freedom Day Celebrations..3/5/2016.

The government will continue protecting the freedom of the media and ensure journalists are not harassed or assaulted in the course of their duty.
Cabinet Secretary for ICT Joe Mucheru described the media as an essential pillar that entrench democracy and a critical partner in development and that the government would provide it  a free environment to operate and flourish.

Speaking in Nairobi today during occasion to mark World Press Freedom Day, Mr Mucheru said press freedom is enshrined in the constitution pointing out that the government will take necessary steps to protect reporters against harassment and intimidation in the course of their duties.

Mr Mucherui however asked reporters to exercise caution while covering events and ensure they do not take risks. He called on media owners to provide tools for working and attractive remunerations to their reporters as part of measure to shield the reporters from exploitation.

The Cabinet Secretary urged media practitioners to highlight socio-political developments in the country and give hope to patriotic citizens and hardworking entrepreneurs as opposed to frequent unfavorable  reporting that create negative perception.

He said the media has a duty to give a fair comment and rally citizens to development of the country as opposed to frequent criticism that overshadow development gained in the country.

He pointed out that as the country gears up for General elections, it’s incumbent upon the editors to ensures messages the come from the media will rally cohesion in the society.

By Cheruiyot Korir – May 3, 2017

Cabinet Secretary for Information, Communications and Technology Joe Mucheru is introduced to Ann Therese Ndong Jatta, Director of UNESCO Regional office for Eastern Africa, by the Chairman, Media Council of Kenya Charles Kerich, when he arrived at a Nairobi hotel where he was the Chief Guest during this year’s’ World Press Freedom Day Celebrations..3/5/2016.

Cabinet Secretary for Information, Communications and Technology Joe Mucheru is welcomed by Kenya Union of Journalists Secretary General Eric Oduor and (centre) Linus Kaikai, Chairman Editors Guild, when he arrived at a Nairobi hotel where he was the Chief Guest during this year’s’ World Press Freedom Day Cerebrations..3/5/2016.