The Media Council has clarified to security officers across the country that smartphones are recognised media equipment and journalists are at liberty to use them at public events.
The clarification comes days after a Nation Media journalist was assaulted by a security detail at a function presided over by Second Lady Dorcas Gachagua in Murung'a.
"With the advancement in technology, mobiles phones are now being used to not only take photos and videos but also to record voice clips and undertake live broadcasting including live links by the media," Media Council CEO David Omwoyo said in a statement on Monday.
During the incident in Murang'a Thursday morning, security officers roughed up Nation correspondent Mwangi Muiruri as he attempted to take photos using his smartphone.
The security officers attached to Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua's wife, Dorcas, pulled him back while one officer slapped him in the face.
He was covering a relief food distribution exercise at the chief's camp in the Greystone area.
Despite Muiruri identifying himself by showing his work badge, the officers continue to harass him saying he was not allowed to record the event on his phone.
But Omwoyo said the use of smartphones by trained and accredited journalists and media practitioners should be allowed at any public event.
"The Council advises that duly accredited journalists and media practitioners who seek to use their mobile phones during events of public interest or newsworthy happenings should be allowed to do use without hindrance or harassment."
Meanwhile, the CEO urged media practitioners to adhere to the Code of Conduct for the practice of journalism while executing their duties, particularly the clause that prohibits the use of hidden cameras or recorders unless there is no other way to access news.
He further encouraged media training institutions to prioritise the inclusion of the use of smartphones as tools for journalistic practice in their curricula to match emerging technologies in media coverage.
