MPs yesterday finally passed a motion giving the National Assembly four more months to pass two constitutional bills on the media.

The House has until December 27 to pass the Media Council Bill and the Kenya Communications (Amendment Bill). The Bills seek to align the laws with Article 34 of the constitution on the freedom of the media. The constitution had originally provided that the Bills be passed by August 27.

The MPs approved the motion with 245 votes with none opposing.

The media fraternity has raised the red flag against contentious clauses contained in the Bills and asked for further consultations.

The media stakeholders have taken issue with clauses in the Kenya Information and Communications Act (Amendment Bill) that allow the Communications Commission of Kenya or its proposed successor the Communications Authority of Kenya, to administer, broadcast content, formulate media standards and regulate compliance with such standards.

Clause 5(B) 4 also allows for censorship of the Press during emergency and restricts freedom of the media during such occasions.

The decision by the House to extend the deadline for enacting the Bills means that the government, media fraternity and the National Assembly and other stakeholders have more time to consult and possibly agree on the contentious clauses.