New Code of Conduct for Media Practice Takes Effect in Kenya
29 July 2025, Nairobi — The Media Council of Kenya (MCK) has officially announced the commencement of the Code of Conduct for Media Practice, 2025, a landmark framework that aims to elevate media professionalism, ensure accountability, and adapt media regulations to modern realities.
The new Code, which was published in a special issue of the Kenya Gazette Supplement No. 70 on 14 May 2025 (Legislative Supplement No. 40), was introduced by Cabinet Secretary for Information, Communications and the Digital Economy, William Kabogo. It updates the Second Schedule to the Media Council Act, 2013, replacing the previous Code of Conduct for the Practice of Journalism.
Key Revisions and Impacts
This comprehensive revision addresses the deficiencies of the earlier code, particularly after a High Court ruling declared the Broadcasting Code unconstitutional. The Court directed the MCK to implement age-appropriate standards to protect children and other vulnerable groups.
The updated Code emphasizes:
- Ethical use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in media
- Protection of children and vulnerable populations
- Guidelines for responsible user-generated content
- Promotion of principled editorial conduct
By doing so, it responds to the dynamic challenges posed by an evolving media environment.
The Code’s enactment follows approval by the National Assembly and confirmation by the Clerk of the National Assembly, signaling widespread institutional support. The MCK lauded this progression as a vital step for media regulation and a reinforcement of press freedom.
According to the Council, this milestone not only enhances professionalism but also strengthens dispute resolution mechanisms, ensuring swift, fair, and transparent complaint handling across the sector.
The Media Council also acknowledged the collaborative nature of the code’s formation, highlighting the extensive consultations across the media industry, legal experts, academia, and civil society. This inclusivity, the MCK noted, ensures the Code reflects a shared commitment to the highest journalistic standards.
Commitment to Integrity and Impact
MCK commended media practitioners for their continued dedication and integrity. It reaffirmed its pledge to foster a media environment defined by ethical journalism, press freedom, and public trust.
“This is the dawn of a new era,” the statement read, “for ethical, fearless, and impactful journalism in Kenya.”
As Kenya enters this transformative phase in media regulation, the Media Council encourages public engagement and constructive feedback from all sectors, including government, to uphold and advance the nation’s democratic values through responsible journalism.
