Journalist safety state responsibility – CS Mucheru

Information, Communications and Technology (ICT) Cabinet Secretary Joe Mucheru has said that the safety of journalists is a responsibility of the state.

Speaking during the launch of Eastern Africa Conference on National Mechanisms for Safety of Journalists, the CS alluded that violation of journalist rights not only endangers the life of the media personnel but deprives citizens their right to access information.

“The government has set up legal and institutional frameworks that guarantee freedom of expression, media freedom and access of information according to article 34 of the 2010 constitution,” said Mucheru.

He admitted the tense political climate has been a tough moment for both the media and the government while urging the media to practice professionalism and act responsibly and join hands in fighting fake news.

“We expect the press to practice the trade professionally and responsibly with due regards of the rights and freedoms of others in equal measure,” he added.

While affirming that Kenya’s media is among the most dynamic, free and robust in the continent, Mucheru also asked the media to portray a good picture of the country.

“Be our ambassadors and spread the good news that Kenya is resilient, secure, stable and good for business,” he said.