Kenya Correspondents Association (KCA) with support from from UNESCO’s International Programme for the Development of Communication (IPDC) is launching a project on Enhancing Freedom of Expression and Safety of Journalists through Devolution in Kenya.
The project which will be implemented over the next 12 months, will benefit 200 journalists working in TV, print, radio, newspapers, and online media drawn from eight (8) counties, namely; Bungoma, Kisumu, Kitui, Meru, Mombasa, Nakuru, Nyeri and Trans Nzoia.
The project aims at sensitizing officials from county governments on the importance of promoting freedom of expression as enshrined in the Constitution of Kenya 2010.
It will also include a systematic monitoring and documentation of the trends and actual threats to the safety of journalists and violations of freedom of expression in the counties.
Kenya Correspondents Association, a key media stakeholder in Kenya, with a network of media correspondents based in the counties, has launched the project in response to the increasing cases of threats to the safety of journalists and freedom of expression under the devolved units.
The counties have become important centers of power and economic influence where journalists are increasingly facing danger and impediments in accessing information in the course of their work.
Media coverage of governance, service delivery and corruption has resulted to increased threats to the safety of journalists and to freedom of expression in the counties.
The project will contribute to the collective efforts at improving the environment for the safety of journalists and expanded space for freedom of expression by citizens and stakeholders in the counties.
UNESCO’s International Programme for the Development of Communication (IPDC) is the only multilateral forum in the UN system designed to mobilize the international community to discuss and promote media development in developing countries.
The Programme not only provides support for media projects but also seeks an accord to secure a healthy environment for the growth of free and pluralistic media in developing countries.
