• United Nations Secretary General Antonio Gutterres  has emphasized the press's vital role, stating, “Freedom of the people depends on the freedom of the press.”

World Press Freedom Day, celebrated annually on May 3rd, serves to highlight the critical importance of respecting the freedom of the press. This freedom encompasses the right of the media to publicly convey information without interference, such as from government entities.

Kenya’s media fraternity has faced significant hurdles regarding government censorship. Historically, incidents of attacks targeting the fourth estate have unfortunately overshadowed positive stories about media freedom in news headlines.

United Nations Secretary General Antonio Gutterres  has emphasized the press's vital role, stating, “Freedom of the people depends on the freedom of the press.”

In a society where the public’s right to know is often diminished, the work of journalists becomes even more challenging. Consider a recent case: During the National Film and Drama Festival in Nakuru County, journalists who tried documenting the events surrounding the controversial play ‘Echoes of War,’ performed by Butere Girls High School, endured police harassment and sustained physical injuries.

Another recent example is the arrest of Mr. Emmanuel Maleve, an accredited journalist based in Kitui, by the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) under unclear circumstances. The Media Council of Kenya, in a statement on May 2, 2025, condemned the arrest, calling it “a troubling attack on press freedom, particularly as it coincides with the global observance of World Press Freedom Day.”

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Despite these intimidations, justice is rarely served. Consequently, the working environment for journalists underscores the need for a just and fair system.

According to a report by the Media Council of Kenya, only 29% of Kenyan journalists in formal jobs have permanent contracts. A significant 71% are in temporary roles, and 80% of freelancers work without contracts. Furthermore, 52% of journalists lack medical cover, and 47% have no access to paid leave.

Similarly, over 70% of journalists report that threats, including arrests, harassment, denial of access, and intimidation, limit their ability to report freely.

World Press Freedom Day was proclaimed by the UN General Assembly in 1993. The theme for the 2025 World Press Freedom Day is ‘Reporting in the Brave New World: The Impact of Artificial Intelligence on Press Freedom.’ The Media Council of Kenya urges the ethical deployment of Artificial Intelligence in media.