Kenya Enacts Stricter Media Code to Protect Vulnerable Groups, Uphold Ethics
The aim, according to the Council, is to establish practical and enforceable standards that accommodate both large and small newsrooms.
A public notice from MCK seen by hubzmedia.africa. Photo/MCK.
By Mercy Chelangat
The Media Council of Kenya (MCK) implemented its revised Code of Conduct for Media Practice on Tuesday to strengthen journalistic ethics, tackle digital challenges and enhance protection for children and other vulnerable groups, July 29, 2025.
The update follows a High Court ruling earlier this year that deemed the former code too vague—especially in regulating age-sensitive content and the portrayal of minors—and instructed the Council to draft more detailed standards.
The new code requires journalists to exercise greater care when covering survivors of violence, child-related issues and marginalized communities. Editors now hold formal responsibility for verifying facts, overseeing user-generated content and removing harmful material involving at-risk individuals.
MCK said it created the updated code after broad consultations with media professionals, legal scholars, civil society and academics. The aim, according to the Council, is to establish practical and enforceable standards that accommodate both large and small newsrooms.
Reactions among journalists have been divided. While some welcome the clearer guidelines as a way to improve newsroom decisions, others expressed concern that smaller outlets may struggle with compliance due to limited staffing and resources. MCK has pledged to offer training and conduct regular reviews of the code to support implementation.
The revised code also introduces faster processes for resolving public complaints. MCK Chief Executive Officer David Omwoyo said the reforms are intended to uphold fairness while avoiding unnecessary delays. “We ask all journalists to see this Code as a collective promise—to report honestly, protect our audiences and serve every part of Kenya,” Omwoyo said during the launch.
The Council emphasized that the code reflects the evolving needs of modern journalism and signals a renewed commitment to transparency and accountability in media practices.
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