Mombasa: The Communications Authority of Kenya (CA) has reaffirmed its commitment to creating a conducive operating environment for the media industry that guarantees freedom of opinion and expression. In a speech read on his behalf by the Authority’s Director of Legal Affairs Lydia Sitienei, CA Director General David Mugonyi highlighted the government’s unwavering support for a free and independent media in the country.
According to Kenya News Agency, Mugonyi stated that the Authority acknowledges the media industry’s important role in the country’s development and is committed to creating an enabling environment for the media, especially the broadcasting industry, to thrive and continually enhance democracy. He emphasized that the CA is aware of the media’s critical role in achieving socio-economic development and progress in Kenya. He also noted that the media has a responsibility to operate within the law and the conditions of their licenses to ensure order in the industry.
Mugonyi expressed his commitment to engaging with media and civil society to strengthen media freedom. He underscored the CA’s dedication to creating an environment conducive to investment in the media sector, job creation, and a free operation space for media entities. He made these remarks during a capacity-building workshop for coastal media practitioners at the Sarova Whitesands Beach Resort and Spa in Mombasa.
The workshop, which is the Authority’s fifth for journalists, aims to enhance understanding of the CA’s mandate and provide a platform to discuss the future of ICTs. The first two days of the four-day engagement focused on capacity development, while the latter half involved site visits to Voice Infrastructure and Digital Superhighway projects.
Mugonyi also pointed out the diversification and fragmentation of the media scene, with social media becoming a leading source of information. Platforms like X, TikTok, Facebook, and YouTube have democratized media, prompting collaboration between governments, platform providers, journalists, civil society, and regulators.
In terms of innovation, Mugonyi highlighted the Regulatory Sandbox framework, which allows ICT innovation and entrepreneurship by enabling testing of new ICT products and services in a controlled environment. He acknowledged the challenges posed by technological advancements and changing consumer habits affecting the media.
Mugonyi urged journalists and media houses to embrace new technologies such as AI, VR, and data analytics to survive in the rapidly evolving industry. He also emphasized the importance of stakeholder engagement in regulatory processes to ensure transparency and inclusivity.
The DG mentioned collaborations with other state agencies to enhance compliance with regulatory requirements and create opportunities for additional media services through Digital Terrestrial Television services and planned Digital Sound Broadcasting. He stressed the importance of fostering a safe cyberspace and enhancing trust in digital services, along with initiatives like Child Online Protection to ensure productive and safe internet use for children.