The Media Owners Association has urged the government to pay media houses massive arrears it owes in advertisements.
In a press statement, the association said that failure to pay media houses advert money by the government undermines press freedom and negatively impacts the commercial aspect of the media business.
The press statement was released after the annual general meeting which was held on Wednesday.
During the meeting, members deliberated on the increased and adverse regulatory environment and duplication of oversight by government agencies, something which resulted in the infringement of the freedom of press and expression.
Notably, was the Kenya Films Classification Board (KFCB) which was accused of overstepping its mandate.
The press statement said that the KFCB has no jurisdiction to regulate programmes and advertisements. It indicated that it plans to take legal action against the body for overstepping.
Residents of Kibera had mixed reactions after the revelation that the government owes media houses advert money.
"The government should just pay up because it is affecting the operation of these media houses. Without money they will be unable to conduct their business properly," said Monica Atieno.
"Anything that undermines press freedom should not be entertained and it is worse when the government is the perpetrator," said Stephen Aluoch.