The Cabinet Secretary in the Ministry of Information, Communication and Technology Joe Mucheru has said that the media won’t be harassed and gagged and that the government is keen to protect the media working space. He said that the government considers the media a crucial partner, “The government of Kenya considers media a crucial partner in driving development agenda of the country and strives to promote a free environment in which the media can operate and flourish,” said CS Mucheru. He said that the media shouldn’t always portray a negative image of the country and issues, adding that they should represent issues and facts in a manner that creates positive perceptions, “It shouldn’t always be cases of conflict and desperation as if nothing good comes from the state.” He urged the media to focus on development rather than exceptional focus on criticisms of government as hallmarks of good journalism.
While addressing media stakeholders during the World Press Freedom Day, CS Mucheru said that part of what has made the country a destination for foreign investors is the freedom of the press, “Companies are much more disposed to have long-term business interests in countries where media freedom is respected,” he added.
He said that the media should be vigilant against any forms of malice plans and not be compromised as we head towards the general election, “It will be costly for the country if gatekeepers across media companies compromise their vigilance and allow external forces to advance the agenda to the detriment of innocent citizens.” He said it’s their patriotic duty to hold the country together.