New Information CS pledges to ensure good relations between media and govt

The newly appointed Information Cabinet Secretary Mr Joe Mucheru has said that the government is not opposed to media freedom even as he pledged to ensure good relations between the State and the media.

Speaking to journalists after assuming office, Mr Mucheru also pledged to expand the digital space in the provision of government services.

He said that working with Google had opened his eyes on what digitisation of services can achieve.

He said the government was gifted with many talented people and had enough infrastructure to effectively offer online services.

“Technology will allow us to reach counties and serve the people better, we want to make sure we take advantage of technology,” said the former Google country manager.

On the stalled progress of the Konza City IT hub, Mr Mucheru said he would speed up its development adding that once complete, the city will offer back-up services to government corporations.

Apart from growing the digital space in the country, the new CS has also set his eyes on growing start-ups and supporting established tech businesses in the country.

“We need to ensure the industry grows and that big companies invest in Kenya, we want to ensure that the Silicon Savannah grows,” Mr Mucheru added.

His other focus, he said, would be to ensure quality content on local media adding that while the government would not censor media in the country, it would ensure the growth of “alternatives”.

And with the Jubilee administration having had frosty relations with the media, Mr Mucheru said he would strive to ensure cordial relations.

Mr Mucheru, 49, was nominated for the position as part of a Cabinet reshuffle that saw his predecessor, Fred Matiang’i, moved to the Education ministry.

Dr Matiang’i, while handing over office, asked stakeholders to support the new CS in his endeavour to steer the ministry.