Following recent tensions between the state and the media over content moderation and censorship, including a public critique by the State House of the Standard newspaper's coverage of the government, Stephen Isaboke, the nominee for Principal Secretary of the State Department of Broadcasting and Telecommunication Services, has outlined plans to ensure the media can operate freely in its role.
Appearing before the National Assembly Communication Information and Innovation Committee, the nominee told the lawmakers he will engage with the various stakeholders on various policy issues that govern the operation of the media to address the standoff.
Issues the Isaboke told the lawmakers he will look into include the review and sensitisation of the public on the Computer Misuse and Cybercrimes Act.
"On the matter of threats of misinformation, deepfakes, and digital misuse, the first intervention, Chair, is actually engagement, as gagging is not a tactic to be used in this day and age. We need to look at the Computer Misuse and Cybercrimes Act and enhance public sensitisation on the matter," Isaboke told the lawmakers.
"It is important that we don’t allow any misunderstanding to exist when it comes to the freedoms of the media and other establishments, state or otherwise.''
According to the nominee, the issue of debts owed by the government could be a contributing factor to the hostilities between the media and the government.
To address this, the nominee told the lawmakers that he would focus on debt clearance owed to Kenya Broadcasting Corporation and other media houses.
"I will start with focusing on debt clearance by utilising the assets at hand to generate much-needed income, as well as forge public-private partnerships to boost sustainability," Isaboke maintained.
"If appointed, I will champion a turnaround plan for entities such as the national broadcaster and Telkom," he added.
Furthermore, Isaboke pledged to prioritise an overhaul of outdated laws, particularly the Kenya Information and Communications Act, 1998, which governs licensing and regulation of postal, information, and communication services.
The nominee has been part of the team behind the digital transformation in Kenya’s telecommunication sector, a feat that saw him receive the Order of the Elder of the Burning Spear (EBS) from the President.
Additionally, he was also part of the steering committee that participated in the last review of the Kenya Information and Communications Act, 1998.
