Background

Katiba Institute (KI) in partnership with the Kenya Correspondents Association (KCA) with the support of UNESCO is in the process of implementation of a project on ‘enhancing the protection and operational environment of journalists through strategic litigation.’

Katiba Institute is a research and litigation not-for profit organization that was established in 2011 to promote implementation of Kenya’s constitution and assist in developing a culture of constitutionalism. The principal objective of KI is to achieve social transformation through the constitution. The KCA is a national journalists’ organization that provides training, defends the rights of correspondents and champions press freedom.

Purpose of the Assignment

Freedom of the media is a fundamental pillar of democracy. Article 34 of Kenya’s Constitution guarantees protection of the freedom and independence of all types of media in Kenya. Press freedom is also a critical element for the realization of other rights such as freedom of expression since the media plays a critical role in imparting and enabling access to information by the public. Yet the reality falls far behind the ideal. According to the World Trends in Freedom of Expression and Media Development 2021/2022 Report,^[1]levels of press freedom have declined globally over the past five years. Onset of the COVID-19 pandemic posed new threats to freedom of the media including closing civic space and decreased financial independence due to decreased revenue streams. The report also cites adoption of regressive laws that curtail freedom of the media, threats of internet shutdowns and increased surveillance particularly in the digital space.

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Terms of reference for research & development of a guidebook for journalists