NAIROBI, Kenya – The Media Council of Kenya (MCK) has called on Kenyans to provide feedback on the proposed revised Code of Conduct for Media Practice, 2025, which seeks to address emerging issues in the media landscape.
The new code, which is set to replace the 15-year-old Code of Conduct for the Practice of Journalism in Kenya, has been designed to incorporate changes prompted by technological advancements and evolving journalistic practices.
The review of the Code of Conduct was initiated following a court directive, which required the inclusion of child protection regulations.
This comes after the Communications Authority’s Broadcast and Media Standard was declared unconstitutional, highlighting the need for a more up-to-date framework.
In a statement, MCK emphasized that the revised code would enhance the ethical standards and regulatory frameworks of the media industry.
It also aims to close regulatory gaps, ensure better industry compliance, and incorporate technological innovations that have significantly impacted the media sector.
“The new code will replace the outdated 15-year-old guidelines and ensure that Kenya’s media practices reflect current technological and social realities,” the Council stated. “This transition is aimed at fostering a more ethical and professional media environment, especially in light of emerging challenges.”
The MCK’s Code of Conduct for the Practice of Journalism, as stipulated under the Media Council Act 2013, outlines the responsibilities that journalists, media practitioners, and media enterprises must uphold.
Key principles of the revised code include accuracy, fairness, independence, accountability, and respect for public interest.
It also emphasizes protecting vulnerable groups such as children, victims of gender-based violence, and respecting intellectual property rights.
The Media Council has made the proposed code available on its official website, www.mediacouncil.or.ke, and invited the public to submit their feedback by email at regulatoryaffairs@mediacouncil.or.ke.
The deadline for submitting comments is April 28, 2025.
This public consultation is part of MCK’s ongoing efforts to maintain the integrity, professionalism, and independence of the media in Kenya, in line with Article 34(5) of the Constitution, which guarantees media freedom.
The Council remains the principal body responsible for regulating the media industry in Kenya, promoting the rights of both the media and the public.
The revised code will play a crucial role in strengthening ethical standards within Kenya’s media industry, ensuring that it continues to serve the public interest and upholds the core values of journalism in the digital age.
