Rights group faults draconian media laws

Kenya made little progress on core reforms in 2013 and passed laws to restrict the media and non-governmental groups, in violation of the Constitution, a report on human rights states.

A lobby, Human Rights Watch, in its World Report 2014 said the new laws imposed by the government were draconian and would restrict the media.

SIGNED INTO LAW

“The government’s move to restrict the media and independent groups is ominous,” said Mr Daniel Bekele, Human Rights Watch-Africa director.

President Kenyatta in December last year signed into law Kenya Information and Communication (Amendment 2013) Bill and the Media Council Bill despite protests from players in the media industry.

Media owners have since vowed to challenge the repressive laws in court.

Information Cabinet Secretary Fred Matiang’i last week declared vacant positions in the Media Council of Kenya and constituted selection panels for the new office holders.

The ministry advertised inviting applications for posts in the Media Council, Multimedia Appeals Tribunal and Complaints Commission.

The Act has created a government-controlled body with powers to punish journalists and media houses for what they report and it also established a self- regulatory mechanism for the media, but put a government-controlled tribunal on top of it and allows a fine of Sh20 million on media houses.

Human Rights Watch further hit out at the government for coming up with laws to increase police powers, and strengthen executive control, in violation of the Constitution.

“There was no move towards justice for victims of human rights violations by police,” said Mr Bekele.