SECTOR 3

3.6
The editorial independence of the state/public
broadcaster from political influence is guaranteed by
law and practiced.
Analysis
The Kenya Broadcasting Corporation (KBC) Act provides for balance and
editorial independence. The 1997 Inter-parties Parliamentary Group (IPPG)
reformed the law to provide for balance in the coverage of political parties. As
part of the IPPG23 KBC was required to stop its partisan ways and give fair and
equitable coverage to all political parties, but this remained a hollow undertaking
as KBC soon lapsed into its old ways.
In practice editorial independence has not been visible. A former Managing
Director, Wachira Waruru, who attempted to assert the editorial independence,
was removed. Earlier Koigi wa Wamwere, then Assistant Minister for Information
and Broadcasting, constantly sought to control and influence the proceedings at
the establishment.
Official influence at KBC is still visible.

Scores:
Individual scores:
1

Country does not meet indicator

2

Country minimally meets aspects of the indicator.

3

Country meets many aspects of indicator but
progress may be too recent to judge.

4

Country meets most aspects of indicator.

5

Country meets all aspects of the indicator and has
been doing so over time.

Average score: 			

1.6 (2005=n/a; 2007=n/a)

23 The Inter-Party Parliamentary Group (IPPG) brought together parliamentarians from both sides of the
political divide who agreed to break a political dreadlock by agreeing to a series of legal and political
measures, deemed as a minimum requirement, intended to open up political space to ensure free and fair
elections in 1997.

44

AFRICAN MEDIA BAROMETER KENYA 2009

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