04 May 2026   Media stakeholders have called for unity, integrity and a sustainable media landscape as Kenya’s press freedom stands at a critical crossroads. With the country’s global ranking continuing to decline amid growing threats to journalists’ safety and the industry’s viability, journalists, government officials and regulators gathered at Strathmore University to mark this year’s World Press Freedom Day under the theme “Shaping the Future at Peace”. Hon. Justice Isaac Lenaola, Judge of the Supreme Court of Kenya, described press freedom as a shared constitutional duty uniting the judiciary and the media in service of the public. “Accuracy alone is not enough. The tone in which news is disseminated carries equal weight. How we project news can influence public behaviour, and journalists must be deliberate about that responsibility,” he said. He warned that rising political intolerance is undermining institutions’ ability to resolve disputes and maintain social cohesion. Justice Lenaola stressed that a free press is non-negotiable in a democracy and called for a safe, enabling environment for journalists to operate without intimidation or interference. “Any attempt to undermine media freedom ultimately undermines democracy itself,” he added. He reaffirmed the judiciary’s commitment to upholding the Constitution, protecting rights and resolving disputes impartially. The  Principal Secretary, State Department for Broadcasting and Telecommunications at the Ministry of Information, Communications and the Digital Economy Stephen Isaboke announced a comprehensive review of the KICA Act, the Media Council Act and the national press freedom policy. He urged the sector to engage fully in these processes. “Our focus is to ensure that new technology strengthens rather than undermines public trust in the media,” he said in a speech read on his behalf by Secretary for Information and Broadcasting Temesi Mukani. Media Council of Kenya (MCK) Chairman Maina Muiruri presented a sobering assessment, revealing that the Council had documented 92 verified press freedom violations in the past year; ranging from threats and harassment to physical attacks. “We have observed a disturbing new pattern in which politicians deploy hired individuals to intimidate and silence journalists. This is unacceptable, and we condemn it unreservedly,” he said. With the 2027 General Election approaching, Muiruri warned that violations are likely to increase, making collective action urgent. MCK CEO David Omwoyo highlighted the rapidly changing media landscape, drawing on the latest State of the Media Report. Social media has overtaken television as the primary news source (27 per cent versus 19 per cent), while newspaper readership has fallen sharply from 26 per cent in 2023 to 13 per cent in 2025. Although 79 per cent of Kenyans still express confidence in the media, concerns about bias persist, with only 54 per cent believing government coverage is fair. “63 per cent of Kenyans cannot identify AI-generated content, and 61 per cent have used AI-powered media platforms,” he noted, highlighting the pressing need for greater media literacy and transparency. National Police Service Spokesperson Muchiri Nyaga reaffirmed the Service’s commitment to professionalism, rejecting any perceived conflict between security and press freedom. “Media freedom is a pillar of democracy and a constitutional right,” he said. “Security and freedom are not opposing forces but responsibilities that must be balanced with care and integrity.” Kenya Union of Journalists (KUJ) Deputy Secretary General Vincent Owino called for an end to attacks on journalists, citing violence during the 2025 Gen-Z protests as evidence of the sector’s vulnerability. He urged investment in journalism’s future through fair pay, opportunities and mentorship. Kenya Editors Guild (KEG) President Zubeida Kananu pledged the Guild’s support for rigorous capacity building and encouraged use of the Complaints Commission’s formal channels. “To shape a future at peace, we must move away from physical and digital intimidation of journalists and towards civil, professional accountability,” she said. Dr Magdalene Dimba, Dean of the School of Humanities and Social Sciences at Strathmore University, emphasised that ethical journalism is the bedrock of peace. “A free press is crucial, but a responsible press is essential. Peace is achieved through justice, accountability, and an informed society,” she concluded.