SECTOR 1

the payment of any monetary penalty or damages which may at any time be
imposed upon or adjudged against him upon his conviction for any offence
… relating to the printing and publication of that newspaper or any other
therein…”
This amounts to “anticipation of offence and the ensuing conviction and penalties”.
This law is under review.

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: 			

1.4 (2005=n/a; 2007=n/a)

1.6
Entry into and practice of the journalistic
profession is legally unrestricted.
Analysis
Legally, the ability to practice as a journalist in Kenya remains unrestricted.
However, the Media Act (2007) specifically defines a “Journalist” and makes
provisions for accreditation of journalists.
The Act in the preliminary part (1) gives wide definition that can hardly be said
to be restrictive.
“Journalist” means any person who holds a diploma or a degree in mass
communication from a recognized institution of higher learning and is recognized
as such by the Council, or any other person who was practicing as a journalist
immediately before the commencement of this Act, or who holds such other
qualifications as are recognized by the Council, and earns a living from the practice
of journalism, or any person who habitually engages in the practice of journalism
and is recognized as such by the Council”.
Article 36 of the Act gives the Media Council of Kenya the authority to accredit
both foreign and local journalists to practice in Kenya.

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AFRICAN MEDIA BAROMETER KENYA 2009

Select target paragraph3