Panelists during the Annual Media Summit at the Edge Convention Centre in Nairobi, May 15, 2025. /MCK
The Media Council of Kenya (MCK) has unveiled a revised code of conduct and introduced far-reaching ethical guidelines aimed at enhancing the protection of minors and vulnerable populations in the country's media landscape.
The new media media code was unveiled at a function presided over by Information, Communications and the Digital Economy Cabinet Secretary William Kabogo during the Annual Media Summit held at the Edge Convention Centre in Nairobi.
The new code marks a significant milestone in the regulation of Kenya’s dynamic media environment.
The move follows a landmark High Court ruling earlier this year that declared the existing Broadcasting Code unconstitutional.
The court ordered the MCK to develop and implement age-appropriate standards within six months to shield children and other at-risk groups from potentially harmful content.
The judgment underscored the need for regulatory clarity and stronger safeguards in an era of rapid digital media growth and increasing exposure to unregulated content, including deepfakes.
In his keynote address, Kabogo emphasised the critical role of ethical journalism in a functioning democracy.
“We urge the media to be fair, just, and accurate. Responsible reporting underpins democracy. Speed must not override truth; accuracy and verification are crucial in the digital age,” he stated.
He also reiterated the government’s commitment to strengthening digital infrastructure and fostering community media through the national digital policy.
ICT CS William Kabogo speaks during the Annual Media Summit at the Edge Convention Centre in Nairobi, May 15, 2025./MCKThe revised code addresses growing concerns over sensationalism, hate speech, misinformation, and the exploitation of vulnerable individuals in media content.
In particular, it establishes stricter protections for children, victims of sexual violence, and marginalised communities.
It also introduces new guidelines for managing content related to artificial intelligence, user-generated media, betting, and gaming.
The Code also aims to foster greater accountability among not just traditional journalists, but also digital influencers and bloggers, who now play a prominent role in shaping public discourse.
Speaking at the launch, MCK CEO David Omwoyo described the Code as a forward-looking framework designed to hold media practitioners accountable in the face of technological change.
“This Code keeps our media accountable in a rapidly evolving digital environment. It prioritises safeguarding children, victims of sexual violence and vulnerable individuals, while combating hate speech, religious incitement, and ethnic conflict,” Omwoyo noted.
Media Council of Kenya CEO David Omwoyo speaks during the Annual Media Summit at the Edge Convention Centre in Nairobi, May 15, 2025. /MCKHe added that the code’s provisions reflect a conscious effort to regulate the influence of modern technologies and new content formats.
“It regulates user-generated content, AI and emerging technologies, alongside gaming, betting, and lottery content, ensuring an ethical media landscape.”
Kabogo urged all media actors to help build a trustworthy information ecosystem and avoid sensationalism that could polarise the country.
The adoption of the 2025 Code underscores the government's broader commitment to balancing media freedom with social responsibility, reinforcing ethical journalism as a pillar of national development and democratic governance.
