This petition calls for the protection and promotion of freedom of the press in Kenya. The importance of a free and independent media in promoting democracy, transparency, and accountability cannot be gainsaid enough. However, we have observed that the press is beginning to enjoy limited freedom in Kenya due to a range of challenges. Journalists and media practitioners are often threatened, harassed, and intimidated by both state and non-state actors. 

Furthermore, the government has used security laws to arrest, detain, and prosecute journalists for reporting on events deemed sensitive or that may paint the government in bad light. 

Media houses also face challenges in accessing information for reporting, as some government offices and public institutions refuse to give out information deemed sensitive or classified. This limits the media's ability to hold those in power accountable, as they cannot make informed decisions or report accurately on government activities. Additionally, media owners are sometimes pressured to tow the line of certain political interests or advertising clients, which negatively affects editorial independence. 

We also recognize that the media industry is facing economic challenges in a challenging digital age, which has put traditional media houses under pressure to keep up. This has led to the closure of some media outlets, job losses (including underpayment, delayed payment) and reduced quality of reporting, which risks driving journalists to alternative professions. Finally, the emergence of social media has brought with it challenges related to fake news, hate speech, and misinformation. While social media has its merits, some users have used it to spread propaganda, hate speech, and fake news, which presents a risk to the social fabric of our society. 

This petition calls for immediate action to address the challenges mentioned above. Among the steps to be taken include:

1. The  Ministry of Information, Communications & The Digital Economy, Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions, Inspector General of Police (IPOA), Independent Policing Oversight Authority, Communications Authority of Kenya, Media Council of Kenya (MCK) to provide a safe environment for journalists and other media practitioners to operate without fear of reprisal from state and non-state actors. 

2. The Ministry of Information, Communications & The Digital Economy through the National Assembly to repeal outdated laws that restrict freedom of expression and replace them with modern ones that safeguard media liberties. 

3. The  Ministry of Information, Communications & The Digital Economy to enforce and adopt policies that support access to information for both the media and the public. 

4. The Communications Authority of Kenya and the Media Council of Kenya (MCK) to encourage media platforms that are independent, diverse, and adhere to high ethical standards. 

5. Training journalists adequately to report based on facts and to discredit fake news, misinformation and hate speech. We call upon the Media Council of Kenya (MCK) to implement measures to combat the proliferation of fake news, hate speech, and misinformation on social media. 

6. Kenya is leading in sexual harassment cases out of 20 countries surveyed in a global media study. We call upon the media council of Kenya (MCK) to provide for more training to create awareness and enforcement of policies to protect journalists & hold perpetrators accountable.

We are confident that the implementation of these steps will promote and protect the freedom of the press in Kenya, facilitating democratic and accountable governance. We, therefore, implore the relevant stakeholders to prioritise the issues raised, and take the necessary steps to safeguard freedom of the press in Kenya. 

Sign this petition to demand for press freedom and in solidarity with all journalists.

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