Kenya Communications (Amendment) Act, 2008

Kenya Communications (Amendment) Act, 2008
Kenyan Parliament
Enacted by 10th Parliament of Kenya
Date passed January 2, 2009
Date enacted January 2, 2009
Status: Current legislation

The Kenya Communications (Amendment) Act, 2008 is a Kenyan Act of Parliament that was passed by the 10th Parliament of Kenya and signed into law by President Mwai Kibaki on January 2, 2009.[1] It is a controversial amendment of the Kenya Communications Act, 1998, which gives the state power to raid media houses and control the distribution of content.[2] It also gives the government the right to:

  • penalise media infractions with heavy fines and prison terms
  • sole discretion in granting broadcast licences
  • control of programme content and broadcasts.[1]

The bill was opposed by the ODM of Prime Minister Raila Odinga, and the Kenyan Union of Journalists.[2]

Due to protests by Kenyan journalists, Kibaki ordered the attorney general and information minister to review the Act and suggest any possible amendments;[2] possible amendments could address such contentious areas as Section 88 - 92.[3]

References

  1. 1 2 "Kenya Communication (Amendment) Act, 2008" (PDF). kenyalaw.org. Kenya Law. Retrieved 22 January 2016.
  2. 1 2 3 "Kenya media welcomes law review". BBC News. 2009-01-08. Retrieved 2014-07-23.
  3. ↑ Laanoi, Shadrack (2008-12-14). "It's Already Part of the Constitution!". Fortysouth.com. Retrieved 2014-07-23.
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