MCK Taps into New Media Code of Conduct
MCK has reconfirmed its pledge to building a media culture that promotes values of honesty, fairness, and public service.
The Media Council of Kenya (MCK) has approved an updated media code of conduct, a significant step in enhancing professionalism and accountability in Kenya's media.Photo / KBC Digital
By Juliet jerotich
The Media Council of Kenya (MCK) has approved an updated media code of conduct, a significant step in enhancing professionalism and accountability in Kenya’s media.
This revised code was officially brought into being through a special Gazette notice, Supplement No. 70, issued by Cabinet Secretary for Information, Communication and the Digital Economy William Kabogo. The new framework seeks to address the failings of the previous code and make a more solid basis for the operation of the media.
The shift to revamp the code follows a High Court ruling that the former Broadcasting Code was unconstitutional. The court directed MCK to come up with standards that are appropriate for different age groups, particularly aimed at safeguarding children and other vulnerable members in society.
The new code by MCK is aimed at addressing the evolving demands of media practitioners, especially in light of developments in digital technologies and artificial intelligence (AI). It gives clear ethical guidelines for the use of AI in journalism, whose implementation aligns with ethical editorial practice and does not undermine journalistic integrity.
The Council welcomed the National Assembly’s ratification of the new code as a revolutionary step in media regulation. MCK referred to the approval as a milestone that reaffirms the country’s commitment to press freedom, journalistic integrity, and ethical reporting.
“The enforcement of this code is an appeal to continued development and accountability for the media industry,” MCK said. “It is supportive of transparency, it appeals to constructive public and government criticism, and it maintains mutual trust. In addition, the code seeks to enhance the mechanisms of dispute settlement, making them resolved speedily and impartially while maintaining professional standards.”
MCK has reconfirmed its pledge to building a media culture that promotes values of honesty, fairness, and public service. Through embracing this new code, the Council aims to promote journalistic practice and rebuild the trust of the public in the media as a foundation of democracy.
The new media code of conduct is a progressive move to address new media realities without compromising ethical standards across all platforms.
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