By KPC Reporter
The sharp sound of whistles cut through the mid-morning air in Kisii as journalists, clad in beige press jackets, marched through the streets holding bold banners.
It was an unmistakable symbol of both identity and defiance.
Behind them, an ambulance followed in traffic, its presence an almost accidental metaphor for a profession many say is under strain but still alive and fighting.
The World Press Freedom Day procession in Kisii carried an urgent message about the state of journalism in Kenya—one defined by a delicate balance between truth and power, speed and accuracy, and freedom and responsibility.
Across the country, similar conversations were unfolding, notably at Strathmore University, where media leaders, policymakers, and scholars gathered under the theme “Shaping a Future at Peace.”
The discussions painted a picture of a media landscape grappling with both opportunity and pressure in equal measure.
“A free press is not negotiable in a democratic society,” said Justice Isaac Lenaola, emphasizing the need for stronger collaboration between the Judiciary and the media to build public trust in an era of widespread misinformation.
That sentiment echoed the mood on the streets of Kisii, where journalists said their work is becoming increasingly difficult amid rising cases of intimidation and political pressure.
Zubeidah Kananu, President of the Kenya Editors Guild, warned that attacks on the media ultimately undermine society itself.
She described journalism as “a mirror for society” and called for greater protection of press freedom as a foundation for truth and peace.
Even as journalists defend their space, the industry is being reshaped by technology.
Temesi Mukani, speaking on behalf of the State Department for Broadcasting and Telecommunication, urged media practitioners to embrace emerging tools such as artificial intelligence while safeguarding editorial independence.
His remarks come at a time when digital platforms are rapidly redefining how news is produced and consumed.
From a regulatory standpoint, David Omwoyo, CEO of the Media Council of Kenya, pointed to the growing threat of misinformation and bias, warning that the credibility of journalism is increasingly under scrutiny in the digital age.
Back in Kisii, the marching journalists—some blowing whistles, others raising clenched fists—seemed to embody those very tensions.
