3rd Annual Media–CSO Conference

Theme: “Media and CSOs as Guardians of Kenya’s Democratic Space”

The 2025 3rd Annual Media–CSO Conference brought together hundreds of journalists, civil society actors, human rights defenders, development partners, and government institutions for a two-day dialogue on sustaining Kenya’s democratic values. Under the overarching theme, “Media and CSOs as Guardians of Kenya’s Democratic Space,” the conference explored the evolving challenges, opportunities, and collaborations shaping civic freedoms today.

Day 1: Festival of Freedom — Opening Ceremony & Conversations of Courage

The opening ceremony set a powerful tone, moderated by a representative of the Civic Freedoms Forum (CFF). Opening remarks were delivered by leaders from:

• Kenya Correspondents Association (KCA)

• Transparency International Kenya

• Civic Freedoms Forum Chairperson & CEO

• Kenya National Commission on Human Rights (KNCHR)

• APNACC Chairperson & ICT Committee Member, National Assembly

• UNDP

• UNESCO Regional Adviser for Communication & Information in Africa

These leaders highlighted the growing dangers faced by journalists and whistleblowers—from intimidation and job loss to abductions and physical threats. Many Kenyans, they noted, want to expose corruption but are unsure of their safety if they speak out. Journalists continue to face censorship, arrests, cyber harassment, and even violence.

KNCHR underscored the role of media and civil society in safeguarding human rights, emphasizing that they are not passive beneficiaries but right-holders and essential bridges between citizens and duty bearers. One of the most striking reflections of the day came from Dr. Bernard Mogesa, CEO of KNCHR, who stated:

“When CSOs are shackled and when media is silenced, human rights stagger.”

Keynote Address — Dr. Cristina Barrios (EU Embassy Kenya)

The keynote speaker highlighted three major issues:

• The mental health crisis facing journalists

• Rising foreign interference and manipulation of information (FIMI)

• The need to reinforce media freedom and safety protections

She noted that 51 journalists globally were killed in 2025 alone, stressing the urgent need for safety policies and a better support ecosystem for storytellers at risk.

Panel Discussion: Civic Space & Media Status in Kenya

Experts reflected on how 2025’s political volatility placed journalists and CSOs at the forefront of defending transparency and accountability.
Key points included:

• Media exposed corruption, economic mismanagement, and the Gen-Z protests despite systemic harassment.

• CSOs mobilized around voter education, litigation, policy reform, and protecting protesters’ rights.

• Both sectors faced attacks but stood firm as parallel pillars supporting democracy.

Panel Discussion: Accountability, Governance & Anti-Corruption Reporting

Panelists emphasized the crucial role of investigative journalism and civil society watchdog functions in exposing misgovernance and driving reforms.

Panel Discussion: Digital Rights, Disinformation & Cybersecurity

Discussions explored:

• State-driven and non-state disinformation

• Compliance gaps in digital rights

• Cyber threats to journalists and activists

• How emerging technologies could expand or restrict civic voice

Day 1 ended with a clear call: protect civic space, protect journalists, and sustain the institutions that keep democracy alive.

Day 2: Festival of Collaboration — Innovation, Resilience & Reimagining the Future

Day 2 expanded conversations toward solutions, adaptability, and long-term survival of media and CSOs.

Panel 1: Gender, Sustainability & Resilience of Media and CSOs

Discussions revealed deep concerns regarding:

• Shrinking advertising revenues

• Political interference and defamation suits

• Economic shocks from broadcast blackouts

• Lack of long-term investigative funding

County-based journalists remain especially vulnerable due to minimal resources. Similarly, grassroots CSOs face chronic underfunding despite being closest to communities.

Despite these barriers, both sectors demonstrated impressive resilience—adapting through partnerships, innovation, and digital platforms.

The panel emphasized creating:

• Domestic funding models to reduce dependency

• Solidarity networks among media and CSOs

• Gender-responsive approaches to strengthen resilience

Panel 2: Election Preparedness, Digital/Legacy Media & Accountability

Media and CSOs continue to shape Kenya’s electoral landscape through:

• Protest and election preparedness coverage

• Voter education and civic engagement

• Monitoring election processes

• Policy advocacy and strategic litigation

• Public interest investigations

Their collaboration ensures transparency, accountability, and civic oversight remain central to Kenya’s democratic processes—even in politically constrained environments.

Healing the Storyteller: Wellness & Mental Health

This session revealed a silent crisis confronting journalists, activists, and human rights defenders.

Challenges highlighted:

• Trauma from covering violent protests

• PTSD from reporting on sensitive cases

• Burnout and emotional exhaustion

• Harassment and threats

• Lack of psychosocial support and inadequate insurance coverage

Civil society activists also endure deep psychological strain due to arrests, intimidation, and high-pressure advocacy.

The session concluded that mental wellness is not a luxury—it’s fundamental to the sustainability of civic space.

Without safeguarding the wellbeing of those who defend democracy, the voices that hold power accountable may fall silent.

Panel: Technology, Disinformation, Ethics & Innovation

Panelists presented forward-looking recommendations to address:

• Technology-driven threats

• Ethical reporting challenges

• Misinformation and disinformation

• Cybersecurity vulnerabilities

• Opportunities for innovation in advocacy & storytelling

Conclusion: A Unified Front for Kenya’s Democratic Future

Across the two days, a powerful message emerged:
Media and civil society are the twin guardians of Kenya’s democracy.

Their combined power lies in:

• Documenting truth

• Amplifying citizen voices

• Holding institutions accountable

• Educating the public

• Advocating for transparency

• Protecting human rights and civic freedoms

The conference reaffirmed the need for solidarity, innovation, and resilience to safeguard the democratic space and protect those who champion justice and accountability.