Media Bill Reaction from the Kenyan Government.

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As the Media Bill creates more contreversy then the Pandora’s box it is important that we at least listen to both sides of the divide.

The government claims that the media bill seeks to set the same standards that are in the US by setting rules for when different kind of programs can air, as well as regulate the ownership of Media Companies while creating thousands of jobs in the ICT sector within a few years.

The media has said that the bill seeks to muzzle free press as well as empower the minister of information to freeze the media at his/her own discretion.

Who is telling the truth?

I have taken the liberty to post the Government Spokesman Dr Alfred Mutuas youtube statement for all and sundry to watch. Also supplied are various links to the media articles that have been written about this issue.

Also posted are links to the Kenya Media bill PDF download [Click Here]. Watch the video below.

You need to a flashplayer enabled browser to view this YouTube video

Nation Articles: http://www.nation.co.ke/oped/Editorial/-/440804/440804/-/qmuxi8z/-/index.html

Standard Articles: http://www.eastandard.net/editorial

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  • Dr Anders Barasa

    Very interesting, and informative. If what Dr. Mutua states is true, one can only wonder why so many Kenyans found the bill unfair. Were we they all wrong? Had noone read the bill – which is not a bil – but just a RECOMMENDATION?
    Mutua states that he is an ardent supporter of freedom of speech, and one can only admire that. He also states that with that freedom comes responsibility. I couldnt agree more. That’s exactly why you need to give Kenyans the benefit of the doubt and let them administer that freedom – which the Kenyan media by the way has done for more than a decade. I remember the days of one party rule, and noone wants to turn back that clock. The media’s and wananichi’s reaction is partly due to that memory, and if it is indeed just a recommendation, then the present Kenyan government should initially have been more vocative about this. I was in Kenya all through december and no such notions were being voiced at the time.
    Secondly I think mentioning pornography and obscenities in this context is irrelevant. One can only agree with Mr. Mutua, but it is simply besides the point. No channel has been airing such material.
    Lastly I find it preposterous, and may I add an insult to the families who lost their dear ones, to blame the media for instigating the disastrous post-election violence.
    Again – it is time for Kenyan politicians to embark on a new era of responsibility, to quote a certain president. Especially if they wish to allude to the United States in the name enlightenment. They could start by paying their taxes and reduce their salaries to those of other nations they claim to emulate.

  • Thomas Alexander

    I totally agree with Dr. Barasa

  • Thomas Alexander

    I agree entirely with Dr. Barasa