By Dennis Dibondo
Kenya’s shrinking democratic space, declining press freedom, and tightening financial and political pressures on journalists dominated discussions at the 3rd Annual Media and Civil Society Organization (CSO) Conference held last week.
The forum, which brought together journalists, activists, development partners, and human rights defenders from across the country, explored the theme “Media and Civil Society as Guardians of Kenya’s Democratic Space.”
Dr. Christina Barrios, Head of Political Press and Information at the Delegation of the European Union to Kenya, raised alarm over the global state of media freedom, noting that 51 journalists have been killed and more than 500 detained worldwide this year. She highlighted Europe’s renewed commitment to safeguard journalism through the recently enforced European Media Freedom Act, which strengthens editorial independence, regulates media ownership, and provides safeguards against undue political or economic influence.
“One of our biggest threats in Europe is Foreign Interference and Manipulation of Information (FIMI), especially during elections,” she said. Dr. Barrios urged journalists to continuously upgrade their skills to survive in a rapidly evolving, financially strained environment. She also expressed optimism about Kenya’s commitment to CSO protection, citing recent assurances by Interior Principal Secretary Raymond Omollo.
UNESCO’s Regional Advisor for Communication and Information in Africa, Misako Ito, shared early findings from UNESCO’s upcoming global report on media development, set for release in December. The data shows a sharp global decline in freedom of expression, which she described as the most alarming in decades.
“Journalists increasingly self-censor, avoiding sensitive topics that could put them at risk. Governments have tightened control over the media, and 72 percent of the world’s population now lives under some form of authoritarian rule,” Ito said. She added that emerging technologies—particularly artificial intelligence—are reshaping information ecosystems, amplifying misinformation and destabilising already fragile media business models.
Transparency International Kenya Executive Director Sheila Masinde praised the resilience of Kenyan media and civil society despite efforts to introduce laws that undermine freedoms. She noted the lack of whistleblower protection remains a major barrier in the fight against corruption.
The Chair of the Civil Freedoms Forum and Kenya Human Rights Commission Executive Director, Davis Malombe, cautioned that Kenya could face media violations in the run-up to elections, especially following worrying precedents in neighbouring countries. He criticised the Computer Misuse and Cybercrimes Act, saying it has been used to restrict legitimate expression.
Kenya National Human Rights Commission CEO Dr. Bernard Mogesa said the commission continues to document attacks on journalists and amplify them internationally. He warned that misuse of cybercrime laws undermines constitutional guarantees on free expression and access to information.
Kisumu East MP Shakil Shabir, representing the African Parliamentarians Network Against Corruption (APNEC), said Parliament has become weakened by executive influence. He condemned the hurried passage of controversial laws without proper quorum and highlighted the plight of whistleblowers, citing the Maara scandal informant who faced reprisals instead of protection. Shabir announced that APNEC plans to launch an encrypted “Shahidi” whistleblowing app to enable safe reporting using blockchain-backed anonymity.
Kenya Correspondents Association representative Oloo Janak called for stronger solidarity within the media sector and between journalists, CSOs, government, and development partners.
The conference ended with a renewed call for joint action to protect Kenya’s democratic space, strengthen media freedom, and restore public trust in journalism.
Mt Kenya Times 
Elizabeth Angira