- She also called for support to strengthen the media and its centrality in its mandate.
- Kananu said the media has undertaken intense soul-searching of its own and the results are beginning to show in the transformation the industry is experiencing.
Kenya Editors Guild (KEG) president Zubeida Kananu has urged Parliament to hasten the process to repeal laws put in place to gag the media.
She also called for support to strengthen the media and its centrality in its mandate.
Kananu was speaking on Thursday during the World Press Freedom Day at South C.
"We want Parliament to not only hasten to repeal the laws crafted to hold media in bondage but also to enact new and progressive laws supporting media roles," Kananu said.
Kananu said they have already presented their proposals on the same, adding that the Executive ought to review the policies they have enacted to deny the country the benefit of free media.
"We want the Judiciary to appreciate the role and nature of media work in their determinations. Finally, we want the people to rally behind the media, and together, we will confront our challenges as a people," she stated.
Kananu said the media has undertaken intense soul-searching of its own and the results are beginning to show in the transformation the industry is experiencing.
"What is now needed is the support from all," she said.
Her remarks come some three months after media practitioners asked for the focus on recapturing the space the industry has lost to external players.
Among them, are an overly aggressive Executive, complacent Parliament and big tech companies.
Speaking to the Working Group on Policy and Legislative Reforms in the Media in February, they said there is need to place emphasis on media sustainability, journalist’s welfare and training needs of industry entrants.
Tom Mshindi, the chairperson of the working group, apprised the editors of the proposed changes, among them, the repeal and review of oppressive laws, restructuring of industry agencies for growth, and the remodelling of regulatory mechanisms for greater independence and growth.
He also implored sector practitioners to keep sending their views, proposals and solutions for a vibrant industry of the future.