[kictanet] Comments on Bill Posted Online

[Edith Adera]

Dr Ndemo,

Thanks for posting excerpts of the bill online (sections 46 and 88). We should actually have the FULL version of the bill (as presented to parliament) available online, although this would be accessible to the privileged with Internet access how about the masses? What happened to “our right to know”?

I’ve carefully read through these sections of the bill and have some comments:

1. Apart from the gender Insensitivity of this clause “46Q b) that person provides broadcasting services in an area for which HE is not licensed to broadcast;”, I’ve some substantive comments here below:

2. Section “46K The Minister may, in consultation with the Commission, make regulations generally with respect to all broadcasting services and without prejudice to the generality of the foregoing, with respect to- (c) mandating the carriage of content, in keeping with public interest obligations, across licensed broadcasting services; (d) prescribing anything that may be prescribed under this Part.

Comment: I worry about the unspecified powers to prescribe content and “anything that may be prescribed” by the Minister – given our past, what are the implications?. who makes regulation? Minister or Regulator?

3. section “46H (1) The Commission shall have the power to set standards for the manner, time, and type of programmes to be broadcast by licensees under this Act.”

Comment – might this limit creativity and public opinion type programming that allows free speech?

 I’ve concerns about this section below:

4. Section “88.(1) On the declaration of any public emergency or in the interest of public safety and tranquility, the Minister for the time being responsible for Internal Security may, by order in writing, direct any officer duly authorized in that behalf, to take temporary possession of any telecommunication apparatus or any radio communication station or apparatus within Kenya, and –
(b) in the case of telecommunication, that any communication within Kenya from any person or class of persons relating to any particular subject shall be intercepted and disclosed to such person as may be specified in the direction;
(c) in the case of postal services, that any postal article or class or description or postal article in the course of transmission by post within Kenya shall be intercepted or detained or shall be delivered to any officer mentioned in the order or shall be disposed of in such manner as the Minister may direct.”

Comment: what constitutes “interest of public safety and tranquillity” – this is subject to abuse and personal discretion. It worries me that free speech could be limited and privacy preached on any subject – e.g. complaining about high fuel costs, food crisis, impunity etc etc. I do not know about you, but the last ban on live coverage created a sense of personal insecurity, isolation and denied persons their “right to know” and the subsequent threats of prosecution did not make things any better. What are the chances of abuse in this clause?

Lets remember that these laws will not only serve today but future generations with different leaders.

Edith