Information, Communication and the Digital Economy Cabinet Secretary William Kabogo has dismissed claims that the government is colluding with the Media Council of Kenya (MCK), asserting that the two operate independently for the good of the public.
Speaking at the 2025 Annual Media Summit held in South C, Nairobi, Kabogo lauded MCK for upholding professionalism and ethical standards while clarifying that the Council does not function to serve the whims of the state.
“The government is not in bed with the Media Council of Kenya, if I may use that language,” said Kabogo. “We do not manipulate the council to push a government agenda.”
He encouraged media houses to remain critical of the government when necessary but to do so responsibly and with factual accuracy.
“Let us report things as they are. It is important to report responsibly,” he urged.
Kabogo raised concern over instances of misreporting, specifically citing recent media coverage of President William Ruto’s remarks about the disappearance of citizens.
The President had earlier stated during a joint press conference with Finnish President Alexander Stubb that all citizens who had previously gone missing had been reunited with their families.
“All the people who disappeared or were abducted have been brought back to their homes,” Ruto said. “I have given clarity that nothing of that nature will happen again.”
However, Kabogo claimed the story was twisted, resulting in public confusion and misinterpretation.
“That reporting was inappropriate. It shifted the focus and created unnecessary alarm,” he said.
Reaffirming the government’s stance on media freedom, Kabogo assured the media fraternity of its constitutional right to operate without interference.
“The government will not suppress the media. Press freedom is vital and must be protected,” he stated.
He also emphasized the need for collaboration between the government and the media to build a better-informed society, particularly through initiatives in digital policy, literacy, and infrastructure.
“We are advancing digital policy, literacy, and infrastructure to bolster public and community media. A strong, fair, and responsible media ecosystem benefits every Kenyan.”
The summit drew media professionals, policy experts, and government officials who discussed the state of press freedom, digital evolution and the role of journalism in shaping national discourse.
