NAIROBI, Kenya, Nov 15 – Head of Public Service, Felix Koskei, has assured the government’s dedication to upholding press freedom while urging the media to maintain objectivity in their reporting.
Koskei, who engaged in a consultative meeting with officials from the Media Owners Association (MoA) on Wednesday, emphasized the government’s commitment to respecting the vital role played by the media as a watchdog holding those in power accountable. He also discussed the government’s efforts to address the outstanding debt of nearly Sh2 billion owed to media houses for advertising services through the Government Advertising Agency (GAA).
“Media plays a crucial role in fostering good governance as a watchdog that holds those in power accountable,” stated Koskei during the breakfast meeting in Nairobi. “Over time, the relationship between the media and government has strained, reaching near-adversarial levels.”
While acknowledging the strained relations, Koskei called for both the media and government to play their roles objectively and responsibly. “We are committed to resetting relations for mutual benefit and that of the country,” he added in a statement following the meeting.
Officials from the Media Owners Association, led by Chairperson Agnes Kalekye, highlighted the importance of mutual respect between the government and the media, given their common objective of serving the public. “The government affirms its commitment to respecting and safeguarding press freedom, requesting in return objective, fair, and accurate reporting,” said Koskei.
The Media Owners Association delegation included Chairperson Agnes Kalekye, Ken Ngaruiya (Vice Chairperson, MOA, and CEO, Mediamax), Julius Lamaon (Secretary, and CEO, KASS FM), Bernard Momanyi (Organising Secretary who is the Editorial Director, Capital FM), and Amber Slingerland (Head of Secretariat, MOA, and COO, Family Media).
Also present was Stephen Gitagama (CEO, Nation Media Group), Samuel Maina (KBC acting Managing Director) Joe Munene (Ag. CEO, Standard Group), Linus Kaikai (Editor-in-Chief, Royal Media Services), Dr. Hannington Gaya (Publisher, Business Monthly), Macharia Wambugu (Editorial Director, Cape Media), Michael Okidi (Ag. MD, GAA), and Victor Bwire (Media Council of Kenya).
Regarding the pending bills dating back four years, MoA officials underscored the negative impact of the debt on the media business, especially in a period where sustainability is already a challenge. Koskei assured that the pending bills would be addressed, with efforts to settle the debts owed to media houses through the Government Advertising Agency (GAA).
Koskei further urged the media to contribute to steering the country away from perpetual campaign mode, emphasizing their role in upholding integrity and good governance through impartial reporting and adherence to journalistic ethics. He also called on media owners to actively participate in the fight against corruption, both in the government and within their own ranks.
