The Media Council of Kenya MCK will withdraw press cards of journalists found culpable of professional misconduct.
The council on Wednesday said it is concerned with the rising cases of professional misconduct amongst journalists and violation of the codes of ethics as provided for in the Media Council Act 2013.
The Chief Executive Officer Dr Haron Mwangi said the cases range from misrepresentation, bribery and extortion.
In a statement, Mwangi says the council recently launched a mobile system to confirm the validity of journalists’ press cards in the efforts to promote professionalism in the media industry.
“With the new systems one can easily establish the status of any journalist accredited by the council through mobile phone thus stopping cases of impersonation and bribery,” read the statement.
According to the council, a list of all accredited journalists will be shared in all the 47 counties including public agencies and hotels throughout the country to help deter those who masquerade as journalists.
This comes after President Uhuru Kenyatta in his State of the Nation Address appealed to journalists to practice responsible reporting that is sacred to safeguard national unity.
“There are difficult times our country face in regards to potent threats. The terrorists seeking to attack our people are trying to anticipate your response to their evil acts. As journalists always remember the fate of millions of Kenyans hangs on the tips of your ink pens,” said Uhuru.
President Uhuru challenged all media owners and stakeholders to work with the government to strengthen and protect democratic peace.