NAIROBI, Kenya — The Media Council of Kenya (MCK) has implemented a new media code of conduct for its practitioners, a significant development aimed at enhancing professionalism and accountability within the country’s media industry.
The revised code, published in a special Gazette notice Supplement No. 70 by Information, Communication and the Digital Economy Cabinet Secretary William Kabogo, seeks to address the limitations of the previous code.
This update follows a High Court ruling that declared the former Broadcasting Code unconstitutional, directing the MCK to establish age-appropriate standards to safeguard children and vulnerable groups.
According to the media regulation body, the new code is designed to tackle emerging challenges within the media landscape. It establishes firm guidelines for the ethical use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) to ensure the maintenance of editorial conduct and integrity.
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The Council lauded the National Assembly’s approval of the new code, terming the move as a “defining moment for media regulation, professionalism and the unyielding defence of press freedom in Kenya.”
“The ratification of this Code is a testimony and a clarion call for progress. It demands accountability from the media and welcomes critique from the government, fostering trust and mutual respect. Furthermore, it will streamline dispute resolution ensure swift and fair handling of complaints while upholding professional integrity,” a statement from MCK read.
The MCK reaffirmed its unwavering commitment to fostering a media landscape that upholds the highest standards of integrity and effectively serves the public interest.
