Highlights from the 2nd Annual CSO Conference: Protecting Voices, Advancing Technology, and Ensuring Access
In an inspiring convergence of voices for the 2nd Annual Media-CSO Conference, human rights defenders, activists, digital rights advocates, and members of the media gathered to address the critical intersection of human rights and technology. As digital tools become integral to advocacy and information-sharing, this event provided a platform to discuss challenges such as state of media freedom, safety for journalists, whistleblowers, mental health for journalists, as well as strategies for advancing human rights in the digital age.
H.E Henriette Geiger, the European Union Ambassador to Kenya delivered a thought-provoking address focusing on the rapid transformations brought about by digitization and its implications on society, particularly within the realms of media, civil society, and governance. A central theme of her speech was the idea of drawing strength from collective action. She emphasized the power of unity, where individuals and organizations come together to amplify their impact. By collaborating, diverse groups whether in the media, civil society, or other sectors can better address complex societal challenges. She pointed out that solidarity and mutual support are crucial in this rapidly evolving digital era, especially when facing common issues like press freedom, protection of whistleblowers, and upholding democratic principles.
Davis Malombe, Chairperson of the Civic Freedom Forum (CFF) Board, delivered a powerful address highlighting the pressing challenges facing civil society organizations and Media in Kenya. Speaking to a diverse audience of human rights defenders, activists, and digital rights advocates, Malombe emphasized the urgent need for more organized and vibrant civic engagement in the face of increasing state repression. In his speech, Malombe pointed out how the Community Regulation Act, alongside institutions such as the Communication Authority of Kenya, are curtailing digital freedoms. He stressed that these regulatory bodies are not only limiting online safety but also hindering the ability of civil society to organize effectively. According to Malombe, the digitization of the media brings new challenges, especially when it comes to legal restrictions that are difficult to control or enforce.
“We are facing unprecedented challenges, both digitally and physically,” Malombe stated. He highlighted that while some regulations might seem legal, their enforcement is often arbitrary, making it difficult to predict their impact on civil society. He urged attendees to be more organized, bold, and proactive, emphasizing that Kenya is currently experiencing a state of repression that demands strong civic resistance. As the country approaches the next election cycle, Malombe expressed concern over the increasing authoritarian tendencies of the current regime. He pointed out that there is a concerted effort to limit spaces for actors who hold the government accountable. The focus, he noted, is no longer just on traditional polling stations but also on the digital manipulation of information, particularly during election periods.
“Today, elections are not compromised at the polling stations,” Malombe explained. “The real threat lies in how digital platforms are used to disseminate information and influence the timing of polls.” He called for civil society to invest in specialized monitoring and digital tools to ensure electoral accountability by the time Kenya heads to the polls in 2027.
In a poignant moment, Malombe also addressed the disturbing trend of abductions targeting human rights defenders. He revealed that law enforcement agencies have been misusing the Anti-Terror Law to justify actions that go beyond the bounds of ordinary policing. This law, he argued, was imported from the US and gives authorities a “blank check” to operate without oversight. “This law grants powers that extend far beyond traditional policing, which is something we need to urgently discuss,” he urged.
Nora Mbagathi, the newly appointed Executive Director of Katiba Institute, emphasized the need for stronger partnerships between media organizations and civil society to protect democratic freedoms in Kenya. Fresh into her new role, Mbagathi expressed gratitude to the organizers for recognizing Katiba Institute as a key partner in the conference, highlighting the Institute’s commitment to promoting the understanding and implementation of the Constitution. Mbagathi underscored that collaboration is a key strategy in achieving the Institute’s goals, particularly as media and civil society are crucial in holding governments accountable, protecting civic space, and upholding democratic principles. She stressed that as civic spaces shrink, it is more important than ever to come together in forums like this to exchange ideas and explore solutions to shared challenges. In her closing remarks, Mbagathi called for unity among civil society organizations, urging them to advocate for a just and equitable society where technology serves the greater good rather than creating new obstacles. She expressed hope that the conference would spark collaborative efforts to address the persistent challenges that threaten civic freedoms and human rights in Kenya.
In a powerful reflection on the role of journalism, Chatia Otieno stressed that journalism is meaningless unless it holds those in power accountable, be they government officials, politicians, or even within civil society itself. According to him, the very essence of journalism and CSO work is centered around safeguarding the welfare of the people. He called on both sectors to remain vigilant and critical of each other to foster growth and improvement, urging that all their efforts be rooted in a people-centered approach. One of the key challenges Otieno highlighted is the financial sustainability of independent journalism. He explained that the traditional revenue model has been disrupted by social media, which attracts more advertisers, leaving mainstream media with declining revenues. This, he argued, threatens democracy, as reduced journalism diminishes public access to critical information. To address this issue, Otieno proposed exploring alternative funding mechanisms. He suggested a conversation on how to secure resources for quality journalism, emphasizing that it’s not just a media issue but a public concern. Without sufficient support, he warned, democracy could falter in the absence of robust investigative reporting.
Building on Otieno’s remarks, Wilson Ugangu gave a historical background of the early years of President Kibaki’s administration, where academics and civil society leaders were brought into government to shape policy. Ugangu emphasized that Kenya currently faces complex political, economic, social, and technological challenges, which have created uncertainty in society. He called for a revival of the partnership between the media, academia, and civil society, asserting that this collaboration is needed now more than ever. According to him, while the higher education sector faces its own struggles, academics still possess the capacity to provide critical research and thought leadership to guide civil society initiatives.
Rose Lukalo, a media expert highlighted the increasing prominence of alternative media platforms, which have gained traction as audiences seek diverse sources of information. This shift reflects changing audience preferences and the demand for more varied content beyond traditional mainstream media. She expressed concern over the growing apathy among audiences, who are becoming disillusioned with traditional media due to perceived biases or failure to address issues that resonate with the public. This disengagement poses a threat to the role of the media in fostering an informed citizenry. Lukalo made a strong call for the protection of journalists. She underscored that without protecting journalists, media freedom is compromised, ultimately impacting democracy and the public’s right to information.
Among the panelists of the afternoon session was AMWIK’s Denis Mbau. Denis addressed the urgent need to prioritize the safety of journalists and whistleblowers, recognizing them as the backbone of a transparent and accountable society. He called for a unified effort to safeguard these essential voices to ensure that truth-telling and investigative reporting continue to thrive in Kenya.
The moderator argued that while the Deputy President’s impeachment was indeed a significant political development, the issue of salary delays for county workers was equally, if not more, urgent. These delays impact the livelihoods of thousands of public servants and their families, causing financial strain across the counties. This disparity in coverage, they suggested, reflected a tendency within the media to prioritize political drama and sensational stories over issues that directly affect citizens’ daily lives. The participant’s comments sparked a lively discussion on the role of the media in setting the public agenda and whether current media practices truly serve the interests of the people or are driven more by political intrigue and sensationalism.
The forum delved into the current state of media freedom in Kenya, emphasizing key areas such as journalist safety, mental health, and the role of media in a rapidly digitizing world. The discussions highlighted both the progress and ongoing challenges faced by journalists and media practitioners in Kenya. The discussions highlighted a sense of urgency in addressing these issues to ensure the media in Kenya can continue to play its vital role in fostering accountability, transparency, and informed public discourse.
By Rebecca Naampima, Project Assistant, AMWIK
