Owalo: State committed to media freedom, access to Information

 

ICT Cabinet Secretary Eliud Owalo has maintained that the Kenya Kwanza government remains committed to media freedom.

The CS highlighted that access to information is critical in good governance and that the media should be allowed to work without any interference.

"We govern for the people of Kenya and thus we are ready to have open government and committed to giving any information required from the government," Owalo said.

He was speaking at an event held to mark the 2023 International Day for Universal Access to Information in Kirinyaga County.

The CS reiterated that President William Ruto-led administration wants the media to enjoy its freedom as anchored in the constitution.

However, he insisted that the Fourth Estate must remain responsible.

“We recognize and we will observe the freedom of media because we view and recognize media as partners,” he said.

Going further, the ICT boss said that the State has put measures to widen internet penetration, making it accessible and cheaper.

As a result, the Government will continue working with all stakeholders on laws, and policies that government the access to information space.

“We don’t want any Kenyan not to get information because he or she cannot access the cost of data,” Owalo added.

In addition, the ICT chief used the platform to advocate for digital migration.

He urged Kenyans to embrace digital literacy.

"No one should be left behind; the government is committed to offering free Wi-Fi hotspots and rolling out digital hubs in each county where youths can acquire digital literacy," Owalo explained.

Digital literacy will stem rural urban migration as they will be able to easily create jobs back in the villages.

The CS noted that the goal of the digital skills drive is to create a platform for young people to gain in-demand employable skills towards improving their livelihood.

The government seeks to roll out 1450 digital hubs and harness skills in a bid to create over one million online jobs for the country’s teeming youth.

Owalo said the 1450 digital hubs that would be set up evenly across the 47 counties are part of the digital acceleration agenda championed by the national government.

Close to 6,000 government services are currently available on e-Citizen and an almost similar number is targeted for online end-to-end availability by December.   BY THE STAR