Media leaders have proposed the establishment of a fund, which will be used to support the members of the fourth estate in their line of work.
Nation Media Group Editor-in-Chief of Joe Ageyo christened the fund the Media Sustainability Fund (MSF).
Ageyo emphasized that part of the recovered assets should be
allocated to funding the media.
"Part of the assets recovered by the EACC should be channeled toward the media, to support in their work, especially those who specialize on crime and court reporting," he said.
Ageyospoke on Thursday, at a press club luncheon titled "Turning the Tide: From Stolen Assets to Public Goods".
The event, which brought together journalists and representatives from the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC), focused on the role of media in promoting transparency and accountability.
Ageyo highlighted the challenges faced by investigative
journalists, including extensive travel and the need for in-depth research to
uncover corruption.
He underscored the importance of a strong, independent media
in exposing corruption loopholes and maintaining public trust.
Ageyo said the fund would be managed by an independent board
comprising media representatives, civil society and watchdog organizations.
The fund would serve multiple purposes, including supporting
investigative journalism, providing training for journalists, enhancing
newsroom sustainability and strengthening governance through independent
oversight.
He noted that the funds could be disbursed through grants,
fellowships, and direct newsroom support, ensuring that media houses remain
financially viable and free from undue political or commercial influence.
Ageyo stressed that recovered funds should also be directed
toward essential public services, including education (funding schools),
healthcare (supporting hospitals), infrastructure (improving roads and water
supply) and social welfare programs.
"Recovered assets must be independently oversighted to
prevent re-looting, ring-fenced, and re-invested in projects that directly
benefit citizens," he said.
"Strong media can expose corruption loopholes, sustain
public engagement, and prevent re-looting of recovered assets."
Kenya Editors' Guild (KEG) President Zubeida Koome also
spoke on the importance of educating journalists on effectively covering
corruption-related cases.
Media Council of Kenya (MCK) CEO David Omwoyo suggested
integrating the fund into EACC's budget rather than waiting for a legislative
bill, which could delay implementation.
He estimated that the fund could be operational within the
next three months if incorporated into the existing framework.
At the same time, EACC CEO Abdi Mohamud invited the media to
work closely with the body to ensure
that corruption does not rob Kenya's future.
"We are exploring opportunities to have regular and structured
engagements with the media, including training and capacity building
programs," Mohamud said.
