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PS nominee for Broadcasting and Telecommunication, Stephen Isaboke has pledged to safeguard media freedom if MPs approve his appointment.
Appearing before the National Assembly’s Committee on Communication, Information and Innovation on Friday, Isaboke said engagement should be the approach when addressing tensions between the media and the state.
He dismissed any form of media gagging, describing it as outdated and counterproductive.
“If there are instances of tension or misunderstandings between the media and other establishments, state or otherwise, the first intervention should be engagement. Gagging is not a modern tactic. Even in your own house, you cannot gag your own children,” Isaboke said.
As part of his strategy to reform the broadcasting and telecommunication sector, Isaboke vowed to review the Kenya Information and Communications Act (KICA) and KBC Act to ensure the laws remain relevant in the evolving digital space.
He committed to a turnaround plan for the Kenya Broadcasting Corporation (KBC), with a focus on clearing debts and exploring revenue generation strategies for the state broadcaster.
“KBC facilities are dilapidated and in bad shape. If approved, the first thing I will do is go back to the basics-where did the rain start beating us?” he posed
Isaboke noted that while government funding for state enterprises is constrained, KBC must find ways to sustain itself financially.
“It’s not humane for employees to go without salaries or protest for what is a basic right,” he added.
The nominee, who declared a net worth of Ksh680 million, said his leadership will be based on the legal frameworks governing public service.
“My style of leadership will be guided by the law. The position of Principal Secretary as established has defined roles and responsibilities in the constitution and under the Public Service Act,” he said.
