Paradigm Initiative Joins Kenya’s National Coalition on Freedom of Expression and Content Moderation

By Samuel Ouma

The Paradigm Initiative (PIN), a major pan-African NGO working to improve digital rights and inclusion, has joined Kenya's National Coalition on Freedom of Expression and Content Moderation.

The company stated that its decision to join the coalition represents its unshakable commitment to building open and inclusive digital spaces while safeguarding individuals' rights in the online environment in East Africa and beyond.

Miriam Beatrice, the organization's Programs Officer – East Africa, said, “We firmly believe in the objectives and vision of the National Coalition on Freedom of Expression and Content Moderation in Kenya. Through this coalition, we will work to ensure that content moderation strategies are founded on international human rights best practices and are tailored to the specific needs and challenges faced by Kenyan netizens.”

The coalition, led by UNESCO East Africa, has other notable members, such as the Africa Centre for People Institutions and Society (ACEPIS), Article 19, the Association of Community Media Operators and the Association of Media.

Others are Women in Kenya (AMWIK), Baraza Media (Fumbua), Build up, Code for Africa, Communications Authority of Kenya, Daystar University, Kabarak University, Kenya ICT Network (KICTANET), Maseno University and Media Council of Kenya.

The rest are the National Cohesion and Integration Commission (NCIC), the National Council for Persons with Disabilities, the National Steering Committee on Peacebuilding and Conflict Management (NSC), and the Universities and Colleges Students Peace Association of Kenya (UCSPAK).

Apart from PIN, other organizations that have joined the coalition are the National Council of Persons with Disabilities (NCPWD) and the National Steering Committee on Peace Building and Conflict Management.

According to John Okande, Programme Officer at UNESCO, the new additions will strengthen the coalition's efforts and increase its potential to meet its objectives.

"I'm thrilled to inform members that we have expanded the coalition with three new memberships: Paradigm Initiative (PIN), National Council of Persons with Disabilities (NCPWD), and the National Steering Committee on Peace Building and Conflict Management. These new additions come to bolster the coalition's efforts and enhance its ability to achieve its set goals," said Mr Okande.