The Katiba Institute (KI) engaged journalists on issues of public interest litigation, governance, and access to information during a training held in Naivasha on October 31, 2025. The session, which primarily targeted journalists covering governance and accountability matters, aimed to enhance their understanding of governance frameworks and the Katiba Institute’s role in promoting constitutionalism. 

At Katiba Institute, we believe that journalists are critical partners in advancing constitutionalism and accountability. We continue to strengthen our collaboration with the media to promote transparency and informed public discourse. 

Media’s Role in Promoting Accountability 

During the opening session, Nora Mbagathi, KI’s Executive Director, emphasised the vital role of the media in governance and accountability. She highlighted journalists as key partners in fulfilling KI’s mandate and provided an overview of the Institute’s work, as well as its collaboration with the media. Nora also reflected on tech accountability, the intersection between technology, litigation, and reporting, underscoring the growing importance of digital media in shaping governance conversations. 

Framing Freedom in Kenya’s Jurisprudence 

Joshua Malidzo, KI’s Litigation Counsel, delivered a presentation titled “The Constitution, the Court, and the Camera: Framing Freedom in Kenya’s Jurisprudence.” He traced the evolution of media freedom in Kenya from periods of repression to an era of bold and independent journalism. Joshua reflected on how the courts have often acted as guardians of free expression, safeguarding journalists’ rights to question, dissent, and report without fear. 

He also highlighted persistent challenges that continue to threaten media freedom, including arrests over online content, threats to broadcasting licences, and restrictive digital regulations. Drawing from key constitutional provisions such as the Preamble, Article 10 on national values, and the Bill of Rights, he emphasised that rights are interdependent, with foundational “mother rights” like dignity, life, information, expression, and media freedom enabling the enjoyment of others. His presentation reinforced the crucial role of courts in shaping a freer and more accountable Kenya through progressive jurisprudence on freedom of expression and access to information. 

Tackling SLAPP Suits  

Emily Kinama, KI’s Head of Strategic Litigation, led a session on Strategic Lawsuits Against Public Participation (SLAPP suits) and the protection of public interest journalism. The discussion examined the increasing use of SLAPP suits and their impact on journalists, both domestically and internationally. Emily highlighted emerging trends showing how such legal actions are being used to silence critical reporting and urged participants to remain vigilant against this threat to press freedom. 

Access to Information as a Cornerstone of Accountability 

Patriciah Joseph, KI’s Programmes Manager, concluded the training with a session on understanding Access to Information and its link to accountability. She unpacked the legal framework governing access to information, including Article 35 of the Constitution and the Access to Information Act, 2016. Patriciah discussed key areas, including the obligation of public entities to provide information, proactive and reactive disclosure, and steps to take when information is withheld. She also outlined the role of the Commission on Administrative Justice (CAJ) and shared jurisprudence developed around access to information. 

Participants reflected on their experiences and challenges in obtaining information from public bodies, emphasising the importance of timely access to information to enable effective public participation. 

Reaffirming Collaboration for Good Governance 

Through this engagement, Katiba Institute reaffirmed its commitment to building the capacity of journalists as key actors in advancing transparency, accountability, and constitutional governance. The engagements strengthened participants’ capacity to apply journalistic principles in promoting accountability, transparency, and human rights. The engagement and feedback throughout the sessions reflected a genuine interest in improving the quality and impact of journalism within the context of public interest litigation. The training reaffirmed the vital role of journalists as defenders of truth, public interest and democratic values. It underscored the importance of ongoing capacity enhancement to ensure the media remains a key driver of accountability and informed citizenship.