NAIROBI, Kenya – The Media Council of Kenya (MCK) has asked Parliament to approve Sh1.5 billion for an artificial intelligence (AI) media monitoring system, saying the upgrade is vital to strengthen oversight of Kenya’s fast-growing media industry and protect press freedom.
Appearing before the National Assembly’s Communication, Information and Innovation Committee on Tuesday, MCK Chief Executive David Omwoyo said the country’s 250 licensed television stations—many of them vernacular broadcasters—cannot be effectively monitored with outdated systems.
Currently, the council depends on just 37 analysts to track ethical breaches.
“This critical gap necessitates urgent and strategic investment in an advanced media monitoring system capable of comprehensive and real-time coverage to ensure no licensed entity operates outside our ethical oversight,” Omwoyo told MPs.
AI to monitor vernacular media
The proposed AI-powered platform would provide real-time detection of unethical or inflammatory content, particularly in vernacular outlets that have been difficult to regulate.
Omwoyo said Kenya’s licensing spree had overcrowded the market, leaving many stations financially unstable.
“We overcrowded the market because of excitement and political reasons. We rolled out the licensing without a clear policy. We have a lot of clearing to do,” he said, citing one community with nine clans served by 42 vernacular TV stations.
MCK estimates that fewer than 10 per cent of media houses are operating sustainably, while 90 per cent struggle to pay licence fees, staff salaries, or even electricity bills.
Rising attacks on journalists
The council also reported a surge in press freedom violations, documenting 84 cases between January and September 2025.
These included 56 physical assaults—mostly during anti-government protests—16 cases of intimidation, eight of censorship, three arrests, and one abduction.
Police officers were responsible for the majority of attacks (65 cases), followed by hired thugs (28), government officials (15), and others including politicians, protesters, and even a magistrate.
Male journalists suffered 65 attacks, compared to 19 against female reporters.
Push for digital transformation
Alongside the proposed AI monitoring system, MCK is rolling out digital media hubs to support content creators.
Six hubs—offering high-speed internet, production studios, and multimedia facilities—are already operational in Busia, Kisii, Kisumu, Mombasa, Malindi, and Eldoret. Two more are nearing completion in Meru and Nakuru.
Committee chair John Kiarie said Parliament must play a central role in shaping Kenya’s media policy to balance innovation with press freedom.
“The narratives shaping our world today are increasingly dictated by algorithms and platforms outside traditional newsrooms. Parliament wants to ensure Kenyans are protected from misinformation while preserving a free and responsible press,” Kiarie said.
The committee pledged to partner with MCK and the Centre for Parliamentary Studies and Training to strengthen lawmakers’ media literacy ahead of the 2027 elections and support Kenya’s transition to digital-first journalism.
