The media industry has raised concerns over recent guidelines issued by the National Security Advisory Committee on public gatherings.
In a joint statement through its sector working group on Monday, the stakeholders said the guidelines are likely going to threaten editorial independence.
"We would also caution against any curbs that threaten editorial independence and prerogatives, or any attempts to silence discordant voices that may seem to find expression through the media," a statement read.
Last week, the Cabinet approved stringent measures invoked by the National Security Advisory Committee to contain early campaigns ahead of the 2022 General Election.
The meeting chaired by President Uhuru Kenyatta said it noted with concern the growing political tensions that have threatened peace, security and harmony within the country.
It warned that the heated political activities could jeopardize Kenya’s image and place within the community of nations, being that the country is a non-permanent member of United Nations Security Council.
As a result, it approved the establishment of a Multi-Agency Team on Public Order to be convened by the Ministry of Interior.
Members include the Attorney-General, ICT ministry, National Intelligence Services, the National Police Service - Kenya Police Service, Administration Police Service and Directorate of Criminal Investigations.
Others are the National Cohesion and Integration Commission; ICT Authority; and Communication Authority of Kenya.
"The primary term of reference for the Multi-Agency Team on Public Order shall be to monitor, document and enforce compliance with the prescriptions and directives with respect to the conduct of all public meetings and processions; the permitted processes for media broadcasting, publishing and reporting; and the responsible conduct of persons using social media."
The orders would affect all public meetings and processions, media broadcasting, publishing and reporting; and the responsible conduct of persons using social media.
But the stakeholders said such orders if implemented will greatly erode the gains made in strengthening a free and responsible media industry in the country.
The stakeholders include the Media Council of Kenya, Kenya Editors Guild, Kenya Union of Journalists, Political Journalists Association of Kenya, Association of Media Women in Kenya, Article 19, Kenya Correspondents Association, Association of Development Journalists, Kenya Community Media Network, IREX50 and Digital Broadcasters Association of Kenya.
"The leadership of the media industry, therefore, urges that the National Security Advisory Committee statement and the Multi-Agency Team on Public Order terms of reference be reviewed to remove any that pose threats to media freedom as outlined in Section 6 of the Media Council Act, and the general freedom of speech, expression and communications enjoyed by all citizens," the statement read in part.
According to the statement, media houses learned lessons from the 2007-2008 post-election conflict that went a long way towards various guides on reporting violence and politics, all of which is captured by Code of Ethics for the practise of Journalism in Kenya under the Media Council Act.
"Any breaches of the ethical guidelines in reporting under the current political environment are best addressed under the established mechanisms, including the Media Complaints Commission rather than by giving security agencies unchecked powers to control the media," the statement said.
The stakeholders said they are surprised that the National Security Advisory Committee and the Cabinet are proposing curbs on media reporting of political activity without reference to the independent media regulatory body recognised and established by Article 34 of the Constitution, The Media Council Act 2013 and the Kenya Information Communications Act (KICA).
"This indicates a dangerous trend where security agencies may assume powers that amount to curbs on media freedom," they said.