The COVID-19 pandemic adversely affected the working environment for journalists in Kenya and elsewhere in the world. Reeling from dismal rankings by a ‘Reporters Without Borders (RSF) press freedom index report that placed Kenya at position 103 out of 180 countries, it is notable that the environment has been made worsened by COVID-19 as seen in mass sackings, salary cuts and dwindling revenue streams for media houses across the country.

Since January 2020, the Media Council of Kenya documented 83 cases of harassment of journalists. An estimated 400 journalists lost their jobs due to costs cutting measures by media houses even as thousands suffered salary cuts of up to 50 percent. Of the total incidents documented in Kenya, over 60 percent involved journalists whose rights were violated while on duty during the COVID-19 period. Police harassment, intimidation, assault, and denial of access (physical access and provision of information) occupy the largest percentage of violations against media workers in Kenya. Due to the harsh economic environment, general insecurity has been on the increase and a number of journalists have fallen victim. The proliferation of fabricated content, misinformation and in some cases failure to verify has made journalists subjects of hatred, trolling

However, we note that a great number of journalists remain professional and bold in their work, and an improved working environment and conducive legal regime will be ideal for journalists to remain focused on public interest issues.
MCK and its partners have so far taken the following measures to cushion journalists and media houses:

1. Media Sector Response Team (MESERT) —MCK established the MESERT on 13th March, whose members were drawn stakeholder organization to coordinate safety responses for journalists during the COVD-19 period. Under the same framework the Media Council of Kenya with support from UNESCO developed and disseminated safety guidelines for media houses and journalists on COVID-19 and continues to sensitize stakeholders on the same;

2. Psychosocial and compassionate support — the sector has extended support to journalist affected by COVID-19. The Council, GIZ and IREX provided trauma/psychological support through virtual counseling sessions. The first beneficiaries are 14 journalists who were observing self-isolation in Kilifi County when the first cases of infection were reported in the region. The Association of Media Women in Kenya (AMWIK) also conducted virtual support for its members, since they face an additional demand on their schedule as women. The Council has extended financial support and food to a number of journalists across the country;

3. Journalism Grants — the Council has rolled out the first, second and third phase of health journalism grants targeting health reporters and media associations. A total of 340 journalist benefited from the grants as well as training on professional health reporting.;

4. The Council continues to engage the offices of the Inspector General (IG) of Police, Independent Police Oversight Authority and that of Director of Public Prosecutions in search of answers on apparent inaction on press freedom violation cases reported to the police. Media Stakeholders have so far written numerous letters to the relevant offices on lack of progress on investigations;

5. Direct grants to media houses and waiver on subscription fees- The Council mobilized a media support fund which 125 community radio stations and 25 television stations benefit from funding. The Council also extended waiver to mainstream media houses for six months beginning April 2020.The grants went a long way in cushioning journalists working in these media houses against further job losses and salary cuts.

6. Distribution of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE’s)-The Council has continued to mobilize partners and stakeholders’ support in provision of PPE’s (mask and sanitizers) to journalists. So far 500 journalists have received the protective gear since March 2020; and,

7. Identification and debunking of misinformation and fake content -The Council has been working in collaboration with media houses and other partners to flag out and debunk Suspicious content in a bid to maintain ethical standards in journalism.

About Media Council of Kenya
The Media Council of Kenya (MCK) is the principal body mandated to develop and regulate the media industry in Kenya in order to promote media freedom, professionalism and independence. It is established by law under the Media Council Act of 2013 to fulfill Article 34 (5) of the Constitution of Kenya which enshrines media freedom.

David Omwoyo Omwoyo

Chief Executive Officer & Secretary to the Council