SECTOR 1 A Freedom of Information Bill (FOI) was tabled in parliament in 2006 which was drafted by civil society. It did not get to the voting stage and government took over the process. Several amendments have been made to the draft document, including inputs from the media and civil society. The draft FOI Bill is believed by those who have seen it to contain very “progressive” clauses such as criminalising any attempt by a public official to deny information. It also proposes a deadline during which a request for information must be granted. But the draft law has remained locked up at Cabinet for many years. “We have lost ground on the FOI Bill. Even though elections are looming, it is expected that it might take up to five years for the FOI Bill to be passed.” The Freedom of Information Network continues to push for progress on the Bill. Scores: Individual scores: 1 Country does not meet indicator 2 Country meets only a few aspects of indicator 3 Country meets some aspects of indicator 4 Country meets most aspects of indicator 5 Country meets all aspects of the indicator Average score: 2.5 (2005 = 1.5, 2007 = 1.5, 2009 = 1.5) 1.9 Websites and blogs are not required to register with, or obtain permission, from state authorities. There are no laws regulating the creation of websites and blogs in Kenya at the moment. “Anyone wanting to create a website can do so anytime and shut it down when they want.” Scores: Individual scores: 1 Country does not meet indicator 2 Country meets only a few aspects of indicator 3 Country meets some aspects of indicator 4 Country meets most aspects of indicator 5 Country meets all aspects of the indicator Average score: 5.0 (2005 = n/a, 2007 = n/a, 2009 = 4.8) AFRICAN MEDIA BAROMETER KENYA 2012 21