In her speech, the Norwegian Ambassador stressed the importance of media's role in the upcoming elections. She urged the media to focus more on national political issues and less on politicians rivalry and politicking. She also focused on the responsibility of the Kenyan government in ensuring the right to freedom of expression and the right to freedom of information. Read the full speech.
The Media Council of Kenya has gathered representatives from the media coucils in Uganda, Tanzania, Zambia and Malawi. There are also journalists present from Ethiopia, Rwanda, Somalia, Sudan and as far away as Northern Cyprus, Bangladesh and Nepal. In exploring challenges and options in the region relating to media regulation and freedom, the Media Council of Kenya has co-operated with and invited representatives from Norway, Sweden and India.
The objectives of the conference are to examine challenges and options in the region relating to media freedom, responsibility and safety of journalists and to strengthen the regional media self-regulatory network.
Carl-Erik Grimstad from the Norwegian Institute of Journalism and Jens Barland from Aftenposten, have partnered with the Media Council of Kenya, and assisted in developing the concept of the conference. Recently, they hosted represtentatives from media councils in East Africa on a study trip to Norway and Sweden.
May 3rd is the World Press Freedom Day. The day celebrates the fundamental principles of press freedom. UNESCO is represented by Alonso Aznar. The World Association of Press Councils is represtented by its president, mr. Okatay Eksi and Secretary General, Mr. Chris Conybeare.