The Media Council of Kenya (MCK) has introduced a revised media code designed to enhance protections for children, victims of sexual violence, and marginalized communities within Kenya’s evolving media landscape. This landmark move was announced during the Annual Media Summit at Nairobi’s Edge Convention Centre, with Information, Communications and the Digital Economy Cabinet Secretary, William Kabogo, officiating the event.
The new code represents a significant milestone in media regulation in Kenya, coming in response to a landmark High Court ruling earlier this year that declared the existing Broadcasting Code unconstitutional. The court mandated MCK to develop age-appropriate standards within six months to shield children and other vulnerable groups from harmful content, especially amid the rapid expansion of digital media and the growing prevalence of unregulated content such as deepfakes.
Cabinet Secretary Kabogo emphasized the vital role of ethical journalism in supporting democracy, urging media practitioners to prioritize fairness, accuracy, and verification over speed. “Responsible reporting underpins democracy. Speed must not override truth,” he noted, highlighting the government’s commitment to strengthening digital infrastructure and supporting community media through the national digital policy.
The new media code introduces stricter protections, specifically targeting vulnerable populations including children, sexual violence victims, and marginalized communities. It also establishes fresh guidelines addressing emerging challenges linked to artificial intelligence, user-generated content, betting, and gaming.
MCK CEO David Omwoyo described the code as a forward-thinking framework designed to hold media practitioners—including traditional journalists, digital influencers, and bloggers—accountable in a rapidly changing technological environment. He emphasized that the code combats hate speech, religious incitement, and ethnic conflict while regulating content related to modern technologies and new media formats.
By updating regulatory standards, the MCK aims to ensure Kenya’s media environment remains ethical, responsible, and inclusive in the digital age, safeguarding the rights of the most vulnerable in society.
