Experts warn of growing digital threats to women in media as impunity persists
The Media Council of Kenya (MCK) on Monday marked the International Day to End Impunity for Crimes Against Journalists with a renewed call for accountability and stronger protection mechanisms for media practitioners.
The event, held at Sarova Woodlands Hotel in Nakuru, revolved around this year’s theme, “Chat GBV: Raising Awareness on AI-Facilitated Gender-Based Violence Against Women Journalists,” spotlighting the growing misuse of artificial intelligence to intimidate and silence women in the media.
Speaking during the commemoration, MCK Chief Executive Officer David Omwoyo urged the media fraternity and government institutions to treat the day as a solemn reflection rather than a celebration.
“This is not a day of celebration. It is ideally a day of reflection,” Omwoyo said. “Despite having a day dedicated to fighting impunity, crimes are still being committed. In 2024, we recorded 130 incidents of press violations, a figure that dropped to 92 in 2025. However, this decline is not cause for celebration—it reflects the extraordinary unrest of 2024, when widespread anti-government protests placed journalists squarely in the line of fire.”
Omwoyo lamented the persistent challenges in securing justice for victims of press violations, citing weak enforcement of digital-security laws and inadequate case documentation.
“Perpetrators too often evade accountability. Prosecution remains an uphill battle,” he noted.
Digital Threats and Gender-Based Violence
Katiba Institute Deputy Executive Director Christine Kuria emphasized the dangers of AI-enabled online harassment and digital disinformation targeting female journalists.
“The misuse of technology to silence women in journalism represents a new frontier of intimidation,” Kuria said. “Globally and in Kenya, women journalists face emerging threats such as AI-generated disinformation, deepfakes, and cyber harassment. These attacks do not just harm individuals; they undermine our democracy and the public’s right to truthful information.”
She warned that such violations curtail freedom of expression and erode Article 35 of Kenya’s Constitution, which guarantees access to information.
Balancing Technology and Safety
Mr. Temesi Mukani, Secretary for Information and Broadcasting at the Ministry of Information, Communication, and the Digital Economy, underscored the paradox of technological advancement.
“While technology has opened new opportunities, it has also created fresh vulnerabilities for journalists—especially women—who face online harassment that often translates into real-world threats,” he said.
Calls for Stronger Protections
Kenya Union of Journalists (KUJ) Secretary General Eric Oduor urged both the state and society to treat journalist safety as a national priority.
“This is a day to reflect on the protection of journalists. Like any other professionals, they deserve a safe environment to work and deliver on the public’s expectations,” Oduor stated.
Global Context: Impunity Still Rife
According to UNESCO, between 2006 and 2025, more than 1,800 journalists have been killed worldwide, with nearly nine out of ten cases remaining unresolved. Its 2024 Director-General’s Report on the Safety of Journalists documented 162 killings between 2022 and 2023—a 38% increase from the previous biennium.
The report revealed that more than half of these killings occurred in conflict zones, reversing a five-year trend of decline.
As Kenya joined the rest of the world in marking the day, the recurring message was clear: ending impunity requires more than remembrance—it demands coordinated action, legal reform, and digital resilience to protect those who speak truth to power.
Leave a Reply