[Stakeholders during the World Media Freedom Day, at the Intercontinental Hotel, Nairobi, May 3, 2017. Photo/Twitter]
The Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) has called for the independence of media.
During the World Media Freedom Day, May 3, 2017, IEBC chairman Wafula Chebukati said being an election year, the IEBC was cognizant to the fact that the media was essential to the election process.
''A free and fair election is not only about the freedom to vote and the knowledge of how to cast a vote, but also about a participatory process where voters engage in public debate and have adequate information about political parties, policies, candidates and the election process itself so as to make informed choices.''
He said recent times had seen the definition of media broaden from the traditional electronic and print media to encompass new media that includes online journalism and social media.
According to him, citizen journalism continues to gather momentum permeating even in countries perceived as having strict regulations.
''A prime concern of media coverage during elections is the right of voters to full and accurate information and their rights to participate in debates as well as dialogue on policy matters with all political actors,'' Chebukati said, Wednesday.
''IEBC is determined to ensuring that information during this election period is credible and accurate. I join the media fraternity in commemorating the World Press Freedom Day,'' he added.
The day was marked at the Intercontinental Hotel, Nairobi, by journalists and stakeholders in the media sector.
This year's World Press Freedom Day, theme was: “Critical Minds for Critical Times: Media’s role in advancing peaceful, just and inclusive societies”