As protests occur in some of Africa's leading economies, including Kenya, South Africa, Tunisia, and Nigeria, it is impressive to see the growth and courage that African media has developed over the years and its critical role for continental change and transformation.
We recognise the strides made in freedom of the press in Kenya, and we remember the men and women who have been at the forefront of inspiring and bringing current events to our homes. The men continue to be on the forefront in raising issues of mass importance, highlighting the democratisation gains and losses amidst tensed environments, often fuelled by political polarisation.
While the ODM team leader has announced insensitivity of protest in the next few weeks, it is important to objectively examine the path that the Kenyan media has taken, considering their role in promoting good governance and democracy, sometimes at a price.
It would be wise to acknowledge that the media has been a critical ally in enhancing good governance and sustainable peace in Africa. And there is no other time in history than now when a wind of change is blowing across the continent. The media must help shape the national narratives around change, security and respect for human rights.
While adjudicating its role as public watchdog, the press is often faced with criticism from the political ruling class. The media's history is marked by instances where anything perceived as anti-government was suppressed, and its operations halted. These echoes of the past remind us of the challenges the media has faced, often encountering enormous interference from politicians or cartels within. Hostile and fragile contexts, coupled with intimidation which has made the media's work difficult and stressful.
As protests rapidly widen and go out of control, the press has faced the brutality of the security agencies. While holding the government for transparency and accountability in fulfilling its pledges, the media has not been spared of police or political brutality, as journalists get tear gas and injured in the midst of their work of informing the public. Against these threats, the media has become an influencer of politics and governance, and we must not lose sight of the gains made.
Today, we talk of everyone being a journalist if they can access a smartphone and good network connectivity. The increased usage of social media, such as Twitter and Facebook, has revolutionised and increased efficiency in information sharing. Unlike in the past, where the populace relied on print media, the growth in social media is likely to replace the traditional method of communication.
Even with this progress, misinformation and possible spread of fake information is possible and often the press must contend with the rapidly growing fake and misinformation. In an age where fake news has become increasingly prevalent, the media must retain its authenticity and objectivity.
Therefore, in fulfilling its sacred role of exposing the societal rot amidst age of propaganda, the media must be objective in highlighting the struggle for economic transformation, peace, and security, but also injustices and disregard for rule of law often perpetuated by those with monopoly of state power.
An engaging and highly interactive population has led to high readability of information across social media. More Kenyans snapped on their mobile button to follow the August poll. An increasing number of people on social media has led to an increase in the plurality of information shared in Kenya. The press has done well in highlighting the increase in corruption cases, which for decades was not heard of, and has often brought African success to its knees.
As we celebrate the freedom of the press, we must be cognisant of unwarranted attacks on the media and its reporters, often witnessed across the political class. This clearly depicts that attacks on the media are not just a local but a global challenge. In most instances, these attacks are unnecessary if only media professionals would adhere to high standards of work and ethical leadership.
The press must hold to its sacred role without wavering amidst myriads of challenges. Its coverage of local contexts is a critical component to deepen democracy and stability in Kenya and Africa as a whole in decades of fragility, intolerance, and instability. The freedom of an independent press is critical to deepening democracy and good governance in Africa for years to come.
Mandela Fellow and currently Billy Graham Scholar in Residence in the USA