Press freedom key for progress, Godec says
US Ambassador to Kenya Robert Godec has urged authorities in the country to respect media freedom for the sake of development.
Mr Godec, who due to leave the country after completion of his duty, told a group of journalists on Tuesday that media practitioners contribute a great role in ensuring public awareness and should be allowed to work freely.
"We have seen threats against journalists. These need to stop. Journalists need to be protected. They need to be free to do their jobs. Everyone should be fee to say whatever they want to say in an effort to build a better Kenya.
"Freedom of the media and freedom of expression are so vitally important for the future of the country," he said in Kisumu.
Mr Godec further said he was hopeful the new officials of the the Editors Guild will contribute to the freedom of the media, following their elections last Saturday.
The Editors Guild, a professional body of journalists often comprises of media chiefs.
Last week, they picked Nation Managing Editor for Digital, Mr Churchill Otieno as Chairman and journalism scholar Christine Nkuku as Secretary-General.
"We welcome the election and we look forward to working with him and his colleagues to help protect freedom of the media," Mr Godec said.
