The in-tray that awaits ICT CS nominee Dr Margaret Ndung'u

Journalism is not a crime!

For the better part of two weeks, this has been the message many media practitioners across the country have been shouting at the top of their voices, while highlighting how the freedom of the media is coming under attack. 

Things on this front escalated to the point where journalists held nationwide protests after the shooting of Nakuru-based Mediamax journalist Catherine Wanjeri on July 16th along Kenyatta Avenue and the arrest of veteran journalist Macharia Gaitho. 

It is no surprise then that the issue of media freedom came under scrutiny during the vetting of the nominated Cabinet Secretary for Information and Communications Technologies, Dr. Margaret Ndung'u. 

In the interview, Dr Margaret noted that she holds media freedom in high regard, adding that she expects the media to carry out self-regulation and self-censorship. 

In response to this, Nakuru Journalists Association chairperson, Joseph Openda says that if she is approved, the journalism community expects a lot from her including coming out publicly and committing to support press freedom. 

"We expect her to facilitate a friendly environment for media businesses to thrive and additionally fast track the payment of debt owed by government to the media houses," he says. 

Maryanne Nyambura, a journalist with the Royal Media Services reiterates the issue of upholding media freedom. 

"In light with the recent protests that journalists have held all over the country, it is pertinent that the matter of media freedom be taken seriously. This is something I hope she will make a priority" she says. 

Nicodemus Kioko, a journalist in the Nakuru fraternity echoes the sentiments of Joseph Openda noting that if approved, Dr Margaret should get acquainted with matters regarding the formation of the Media Council of Kenya. 

"We have not had a media council for two years now. What we have is a Chief Executive Officer (CEO) but the council which gives roles to the CEO is not there. She should check on this even though there is a matter on it pending in court." 

He continues, "This creates a gap since there is no oversight. Additionally, if the CEO was to resign today, then the body that would have been charged with coming up with a new CEO does not exist." 

Dr. Margaret Ndung’u who hails from Nakuru County awaits appointment to the ICT CS docket.