The International Press Institute (IPI), the global network of editors, media executives and leading journalists in over 120 countries, urges the Kenyan government to call an end to the current ban on live news broadcasts in Kenya.

According to information before IPI, the ban was imposed on 30 December 2007 in response to violence following the recent presidential elections. The reason given to justify the ban, announced by the Kenyan Ministry for Security, was that the emotions demonstrated during live broadcasts were inciting violence. The ban remains in place, and covers all live news broadcasts by radio and television alike. The government has given no clear indication of when the ban will be lifted, stating that this will occur only once the situation has ‘cooled down.’

“The imposition of a ban on live news reporting in Kenya represents an affront to press freedom, and is in violation of Article 19 of the United Nations Universal Declaration of Human Rights, which states that everyone has the right to seek, receive and impart information and ideas through any media,” said IPI Director David Dadge. “The first victim in times of turmoil should never be fundamental human rights, such as freedom of speech and freedom of expression. The public has a right to be informed of events as and when they happen. We strongly urge that the Kenyan government reassess its decision to block live news broadcasts, and allow the operations of the Kenyan media to return to normal.”