The Media Council of Kenya has called for need to address internal challenges within the media sector.
Speaking at a World Press Freedom Day event on May 2, 2025, MCK CEO David Omwoyo underscored the urgency of addressing internal challenges within the media ecosystem.
He criticized the lack of cohesion among media associations, likening their dysfunction to “ants in a shaken jar, descending on each other.”
Omwoyo called for reflection, stating, “Sometimes the greatest threats to press freedom are internal. We must put our house in order.”
On journalist welfare, he emphasized dignity, drawing inspiration from global calls for workplace respect: “The dignity of workers is non-negotiable. Half of our journalists lack medical cover, and 80% of freelancers have no contracts—this is a crisis.”
Addressing safety, he highlighted inconsistencies in police actions, noting, “The police speak of protecting press freedom, but their actions often contradict their words.”
Omwoyo also tackled the ethical implications of technology in journalism, urging caution: “Technology can amplify truth or distort it. The ethical question remains: Does it cause harm? Journalism’s universal role is to seek the truth and report it, no matter the tools used.”
This, even as new report released by MCK indicates that Journalists are operating under poor conditions.
MCK’s report serves as a clarion call for media stakeholders to prioritize journalist welfare, safety, and ethical standards.
“We cannot demand accountability from others while ignoring the crises within our ecosystem,” stated Omwoyo.
The council plans to release its full State of the Media report on May 15-16, 2025, alongside the Journalist of the Year awards.
