1、Promoting Media Freedom and Responsible JournalismSTATE OF MEDIA FREEDOM IN KENYA 2026The International Day to End Impunity for Crimes Against Journalists(IDEI),observed annually on 2 November,is a global call to protect press freedom and secure justice for media professionals facing threats,violenc
2、e,and harassment in their essential work.In 2025,Kenya commemorated the day on 3 November in Nakuru County,under the theme“Chat GBV:Raising Awareness on AI-Facilitated Gender-Based Violence Against Women Journalists.”Hosted by the Media Council of Kenya(MCK)in collaboration with partners including K
3、atiba Institute,the event brought together stakeholders from media,government,civil society,academia,the justice system,and development partners.It offered a vital platform to address both longstanding and emerging dangers:physical assaults and intimidation often by county officials and police as we
4、ll as online harassment,doxxing,deepfakes,and AI-amplified gendered disinformation that disproportionately affects women journalists.This State of Press Freedom in Kenya 2024/2025 report documents a complex landscape of progress and persistent challenges.Verified violations fell from 130 in 2024 to
5、92 in 2025,reflecting fewer mass protests,yet physical assaults remain the most prevalent form of abuse(67%).Nairobi remains as the main hotspot,while new concentrations appeared in counties such as Homa Bay and Nakuru.County government officials emerged as the leading perpetrators(49%of cases),sign
6、alling a decentralisation of impunity even as national regulatory clarity improves.Key advancements include the gazettement of the Code of Conduct for Media Practice,2025,which extends ethical standards to digital spaces,tackling deepfakes,misinformation,and protections for vulnerable groups.The pro