From 11th to 15th December 2022, LAF in partnership with Thomson Foundation conducted a benchmarking study in Kenya, to learn from regional best practices for a professional, independent and financially self-sustaining Media Sector that serves the needs of the public as one of the activities that aimed at supporting the ongoing Rwanda Media Policy review in Rwanda. This benchmarking study consisted of key stakeholders from the Media Sector in Rwanda, who engaged with representatives of seven agencies within the Kenyan media organizations.

The main objectives of this study visit was to equip the Rwandan team with experience and best practices through open exchange of ideas, knowledge, and sound practices to learn current trends and dynamics of media regulation and policy frameworks, in the EAC region. The study visit also aimed at providing participants with practical insights and best practices in Media legal and regulatory framework, educating them on how best to promote access to information in the community, and collecting ideas that could inspire the ongoing Rwanda media policy review.

From engagements with the Kenyan institutions, several policy positions emerged worth reiterating among which included, the film content and TV Commercials Regulation, the advanced welfare of journalists, accreditation of journalists and their work, capacity building of journalists, Gender mainstreaming, media viability, media digital era, among others…