NAIROBI, Kenya — The Media Council of Kenya (MCK) has issued a strong public advisory warning Kenyans about a sharp rise in manipulated content, misinformation, and disinformation circulating across digital platforms.
In a statement released on Thursday, the Council said it is “gravely concerned” by the proliferation of anonymous online accounts and rogue platforms that routinely publish fabricated material, doctored images, manipulated headlines, and partisan narratives designed to mislead the public.
According to the Council, these violations constitute a serious breach of journalistic ethics and directly contravene several provisions of the Code of Conduct for Media Practice.
The advisory notes that some of the offending platforms have gone as far as illegally using logos and branding of reputable media houses, amounting to copyright infringement.
“These entities are not only spreading falsehoods but are systematically eroding public trust and endangering Kenya’s information ecosystem,” the Council said.
Beware of misinformation and disinformation spread by rogue online platforms!
The MCK cited multiple clauses of the Code that the rogue platforms are flouting, including requirements to verify information before publication, avoid manipulating images, and issue prompt corrections.
The Code also places full accountability on editors and content producers for any published or broadcast material.
To curb the spread of false information, the Council announced three key interventions:
1. Public Vigilance
Kenyans have been urged to independently verify any information sourced from unaccredited or anonymous digital platforms that mimic legitimate news outlets.
2. Enforcement Action
The MCK has referred the matter to the Communications Authority of Kenya (CA) for investigation into the ownership and operation of the offending platforms, with the possibility of takedowns where necessary.
3. Proactive Countermeasures
The MCK Fact-Checking Desk will intensify real-time debunking and dissemination of verified information to neutralize the misinformation spread by fraudulent outlets.
The Council emphasized that the advisory aims to protect the integrity of journalism and shield the public from deliberate deception.
