Kenya Editors Guild (KEG) has called for renewed stronger protection of journalists at the 8th Annual Editors Convention held in Kilifi County, on Friday, November 28 2025.
Information Communication and Technology(ICT) Cabinet Secretary William Kabogo was in attendance.
KEG President Zubeida Kananu stated that journalists continue to face harassment, violence, and economic suffocation.
She cited the Gen-Z protests where more than 20 journalists were injured, cameras smashed, and female reporters threatened with sexual violence.
Kananu stressed on the story of Catherine Wanjeri, a journalist shot three times at close range, who is still waiting for justice.
“Bwana CS, we request a renewed commitment for journalist protection, fast and transparent prosecution of perpetrators, a joint rapid response mechanism between Interior, Kenya Media Sector Working Group, Media Council of Kenya (MCK), Independent Policing and Oversight Authority (IPOA), and Office of the Director of Public Prosecution (ODPP),” stated Zubeida Kananu.
She also warned that delayed government advertising payments, centralization under the Government Advertising Agency, and big tech dominance have weakened newsrooms.
To address this, KEG proposed liberalizing government advertising, creating a media sustainability and innovation fund, and requiring global tech platforms to share revenue with Kenyan journalists.
Other proposals included investing corruption proceeds into investigative reporting and offering tax relief on importation of broadcast equipment and training tools.
CS Kabogo acknowledged the concerns, saying most of the proposals were “doable.”
“On matters press freedom, we have seen stories of journalists being harassed, journalists being killed, and I want to tell you that is not a government policy. We have to find space to work together, but I also ask you to report fairly,” he commented.
The CS further promised timely payment of government advertising and reforms to separate public broadcasting from commercial broadcasting.
KEG insists that protecting journalists is not just about the media, it is about safeguarding democracy itself.
