‘Be Responsible On Reporting!’ – CS Kabogo Tells Media Houses
William Kabogo, Cabinet Secretary for Information, Communication, and Technology (ICT), has urged journalists to be professional when reporting on national issues.
Speaking on Thursday, May 15, at the Annual Media Summit in Nairobi, the outspoken CS urged journalists to prioritize truth, balance, and fact-checking, especially when reporting on government issues.
Addressing media stakeholders at the Edge Convention Centre in South C, Kabogo recounted one incident in which journalists misconstrued his feelings on a topic, causing fury among Kenyans.
The CS stated that he once visited the studios of a well-known Kenyan news station.
While entering the studios, he was approached by journalists who wanted to know his thoughts on the Ministry’s plans to shut down TV and radio stations.
While Kabogo denied the charges, the media house issued a new alert the following day stating he had threatened the media business.
When we were campaigning, I was accused of saying somethings about ladies but there is no video- CS Kabogo pic.twitter.com/glgnGGtq5J
— tv47ke (@Tv47Newske) May 15, 2025
According to him, his feelings were twisted and warped in order to misrepresent his position on the subject.
“After thinking about the question, it occurred to them, look, we have to be responsible,” the CS recalled.
“I told them the government can shut them down, but I said no, there is freedom of expression. However, when I opened my TV that evening, I saw a headline written, Kabogo threatens!”
“Is that fair? We have to understand how to play, we have to be fair and just, it is important to report daily and accurately,” he added.
‘Nilitrend mbaya’ – CS William Kabogo responds to memes about him pic.twitter.com/mdBe9pkrjK
— Kenyans.co.ke (@Kenyans) May 15, 2025
While advocating for appropriate reporting, Kabogo emphasized the value of integrity.
“We urge the media to be fair, just and accurate. Responsible reporting underpins democracy”.
He urged journalists, editors, bloggers, and influencers to create a trustworthy and accountable media ecosystem, cautioning against sensational headlines and emphasizing the media’s responsibility in supporting national values.
“Responsible reporting underpins democracy. The speed must not override truth; accuracy and verification are crucial in the digital age,” the CS emphasised.
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His comments follow online trolls by Kenyans who recently used social media channels to question Kabogo’s suitability as ICT minister.
This afternoon, I have officially opened the Annual Media Summit and launched The Code of Conduct For Media Practice 2025.
— Hon. William Kabogo (@honkabogo) May 15, 2025
The government recognises the key role played by the media and is supportive of a vibrant and accountable media ecosystem.
I urge the media to relay… pic.twitter.com/g8G8CL2EGu
Kenyans, in particular, criticized his dress code after a photo of him wearing a baggy clean white shirt, a red necktie, tight brown khaki trousers, brown socks with black stripes, and brown safari shoes went viral.
After days of scorn and condemnation, Kabogo replied on Tuesday evening by stating he enjoyed the trolls.
Taking to his X account, the ICT minister wrote: “I am enjoying it, if no one makes such, you need to be very worried,” suggesting that he was not upset by the posts.
‘Be Responsible On Reporting!’ – CS Kabogo Tells Media Houses
