Kenya’s ICT cabinet secretary Fred Matiangi has reaffirmed government’s commitment to protect the rights of journalists and freedom of media houses.

Speaking at the Kenya Institute of Mass Communication (KIMC) Matiangi said, “Article 33 and 34 of the freedom of expression emphasises the fact that we need to have a free media in our environment and that all those who practice in this sector should be allowed to operate freely.”

Matiangi’s comments come just days after President Uhuru Kenyatta returned a “controversial” media bill to the house for further amendments on several clauses.

He added that the Kenyatta’s move to return the bill to the house for amendment was “proof enough” that the government respected and upheld the freedom of expression in the country.

Matiangi also noted that government wanted the media to grow since it recognised the role it played in national development.

“Over the years Kenya has experienced a steady growth of the media sector as a whole which has indeed played a key role in national development.

"This development has also consistently kept the public informed, educated and of course grossly updated on emerging local and regional trades,” said Matiangi.