The Communications Authority of Kenya (CAK) has issued a warning to broadcasters in the country for taking advantage of the political situation to air content containing hate speech.
“The Authority hereby wishes to remind broadcasters that the constitutionally guaranteed Freedom of Expression does not extend to spread of hate speech, propaganda for war, incitement of violence, advocacy of hatred that, among others, constitutes ethnic incitement, vilification of other persons or communities or incitement to cause harm,” said Mutua Muthusi, director of consumer and public affairs at the CAK.
It said the act of airing hate speech is illegal under the Kenya Information and Communications Amendment Act of 2013.
“The ICT sector law obligates broadcasters to provide responsible and responsive programming that caters for the varied needs and susceptibilities of different sections of the Kenyan community,” Muthusi said.
The CAK called on broadcasters to carry out their mandate of providing information, education and entertainment within the parameters of the laws.
The regulator said failure to do so could result in the offending broadcaster having its spectrum withdrawn.
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