The Civic Freedoms Forum (CFF) has raised concerns over what it describes as an increasingly difficult operating environment for journalists and media organisations in Kenya ahead of the 2027 General Election.
In a statement dated October 2, 2026, the organisation cited physical attacks, intimidation, legal and economic pressures, changes in media ownership and concerns over digital freedoms as threats to the country’s information environment.
CFF singled out the reported abduction of Standard Group Associate Editor Alex Kiprotich, who was allegedly seized by armed men along the Gilgil-Nakuru Road on September 1 and found safe about nine hours later near Masinga Dam.
Concerns over journalist safety
According to the organisation, the attackers reportedly questioned Kiprotich about the Standard Group’s journalism, its sources and how headlines are determined.
CFF said the incident was particularly concerning because it allegedly followed an earlier attempt against the journalist in June.
The organisation is calling for an independent investigation into the incident and accountability for those responsible.
CFF also raised concerns over changes at Nation Media Group (NMG) following the acquisition of a controlling stake by Tanzanian businessman Rostam Aziz through Taifa Ltd.
The organisation noted that NMG announced significant editorial leadership changes on September 16, including the transfer of Editor-in-Chief Dr Joe Ageyo to NMG Uganda and the redeployment of other senior editorial leaders to Uganda and Tanzania.
While acknowledging NMG's explanation that the changes followed a review of its editorial structure and evolving regional business requirements, CFF said the timing and cumulative effect of the developments raised questions about media ownership and editorial independence.
Impact of media ownership changes
The organisation also pointed to financial pressures facing Kenya's media industry, citing delayed government advertising payments reportedly amounting to about KSh866 million.
It said outstanding payments could weaken newsroom capacity, undermine investigative journalism and increase the vulnerability of media organisations to political and commercial influence.
CFF further criticised the use of cybercrime laws in cases involving journalists and public-interest communication. It cited the case of Mombasa-based photojournalist Peter Mwita Maseke, who was released on bond after spending a week in custody following charges under the Computer Misuse and Cybercrimes Act.
Criticism of cybercrime laws
The organisation said legitimate cybercrime laws should not be applied in ways that criminalise journalism, investigative reporting, criticism or communication of information of public interest.
CFF warned that the combined effect of physical intimidation, economic pressure, restrictive laws, ownership changes and possible restrictions on digital communication could progressively narrow the space for independent journalism as Kenya approaches the 2027 elections.
Call for action and protection
It urged the government and law-enforcement agencies to ensure the safety of journalists and conduct prompt, independent and transparent investigations into attacks and abductions.
The organisation also called on media owners to safeguard editorial independence, while urging the Media Council of Kenya, the Kenya Editors Guild and other industry bodies to strengthen journalist protection mechanisms ahead of the elections.
CFF further called for the settlement of legitimate outstanding government payments to media organisations and urged Parliament and the Judiciary to ensure that cybercrime, national security and other laws affecting information and expression comply with Articles 33 and 34 of the Constitution.
It also appealed to telecommunications companies, digital platforms, civil society organisations and citizens to protect access to information and defend the independence, safety and sustainability of journalism.
