Journalists Seeking Elective Seats To Resign by April 9 – Chiloba

Ezra Chiloba, Director General of the Communications Authority of Kenya, has directed all broadcasters seeking elective posts to resign by April 9.

Chiloba said in a statement that media outlets should ensure that aspiring candidates leave by the deadline.

“The Authority requires broadcasting licensees to ensure that aspiring candidates associated with or employed by their stations, take the required leave of office by 9th April, 2022 as gazetted by the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) in Gazette Notice No. 430,” he said.

The date was set by the IEBC as the deadline for political parties to submit membership lists.

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CA also requested that employees running for elective office or involved in political campaigns be barred from working on the day-to-day operations of media outlets.

According to the authority, this will help in avoiding cases of interfering with editorial independence.

“The Authority shall take necessary regulatory action to ensure compliance in accordance with the relevant provisions of the law,” he added.

He urged media outlets to practice responsible journalism and uphold the country’s democratic principles.

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Section 7.2.4 of Kenya’s Programming Code for Broadcasting Services states, “If a person working on programmes for a station becomes a candidate or is employed or retained in any capacity by a political aspirant or a political party, he or she shall go on leave for the duration of the election period, or his employment may be terminated by the station.”

In January, Royal Media Services (RMS) ordered journalists seeking to join politics to tender their resignations by March 1.

“In line with the company’s culture and practice, any employee wishing to contest in any elective position must tender his/her resignation from employment before 1st March 2022,” RMS manager Wachira Waruru said in a memo to all members of staff.

“If you need any further clarification on this matter, consult your Head of Department or the Human Resources Office.”

Civil servants including Cabinet Secretaries are expected to vacate office by February 9 so as to launch their political bids.