Media industry players urge MPs to ratify revised Code of Conduct, warns against delays

The memorandum insists that the Code upholds and enhances media freedom under Article 34

by FELIX KIPKEMOI

News22 July 2025 - 15:30

In Summary

Some concerns raised; key among them is the fact that the Media Council has operated for over two years without a board, casting doubt on the legal mandate of the Secretariat, which led the review process.
The delibarations also flagged the use of the word “shall” in certain provisions, particularly those relating to verification and accuracy requirements, as overly rigid, potentially making full compliance impractical in real-time reporting scenarios.

Parliament has now been urged to urgently ratify the revised Code of Conduct for Media Practice, 2025, without any further amendments.

According to the media industry players, any delays or major amendments could undermine the broad consensus achieved through a nationwide public participation process that informed the Code’s development.

In a memorandum submitted to the National Assembly’s Committee on Delegated Legislation chaired by Gichugu MP Gichimu Githinji, six media organisations emphasised the need for swift adoption of the code.

“We strongly urge the honourable Committee to ratify the Code as gazetted, save for any minor amendments recommended by the House,” reads the memorandum.

“Any delays or attempts to introduce substantive amendments at this stage risk disrupting the carefully balanced consensus achieved and weakening the very framework designed to strengthen ethical journalism.”

The memorandum was signed by the Kenya Union of Journalists (KUJ), Kenya Editors Guild (KEG), Media Owners Association (MOA), Digital Broadcasters Association (DBA), Kenya Parliamentary Journalists Association (KPJA), and the Association of Media Women in Kenya (AMWIK).

KEG was represented by its president, Zubeida Kananu, and Francis Mureithi (KEG member and Radio Africa Group digital editor), while Eric Oduor appeared on behalf of the KUJ.

The officials stressed that the revised Code is critical for guiding ethical journalism in an era of fast-changing technology and media consumption habits.

The updated Code replaces the 2007 version and integrates new provisions covering AI use in journalism, moderation of user-generated content, and enhanced safeguards for children and vulnerable persons, responding directly to a court directive on child protection in media.

The Media Council of Kenya (MCK) led the review process, holding national consultations, technical workshops, and soliciting written submissions from the public, media professionals, and civil society.

The Council noted the new Code reflects both international best practices, such as those by UNESCO and the International Federation of Journalists (IFJ), and local realities affecting Kenya’s media environment.

The memorandum insists that the Code upholds and enhances media freedom under Article 34 of the Constitution, rather than restricting it.

It further highlights the Code’s role in promoting professionalism, public trust, and editorial independence while helping combat misinformation and irresponsible reporting.

They, however, raised some concerns; key among them is the fact that the Media Council has operated for over two years without a board, casting doubt on the legal mandate of the Secretariat, which led the review process.

They also flagged the use of the word “shall” in certain provisions, particularly those relating to verification and accuracy requirements, as overly rigid, potentially making full compliance impractical in real-time reporting scenarios.

They recommended that the Ministry of ICT and the Attorney General consider issuing a corrigendum to clarify such language.

Despite these concerns, the media groups maintained that the Code represents a critical step forward and urged Parliament to endorse it promptly to allow for immediate implementation.

“Timely ratification will enable swift implementation, which is crucial for fostering ethical journalism and ensuring robust, public interest reporting in Kenya,” the memorandum further states.

MCK said it reviewed the Code of Conduct to address emerging issues and align with current realities.

“The new code will replace the 15-year-old Code of Conduct for the Practice of Journalism in Kenya, following a court directive to develop a revised code incorporating child protection regulations,” it said.

This came after the Communications Authority’s Broadcast and Media Standard was declared unconstitutional.

Aligned with the evolving media landscape, the code addresses changes driven by technological advancements and innovations impacting journalistic practices.

The Council said the review anticipates a transition to the Code of Conduct for Media Practice, which will further strengthen ethical standards and regulatory frameworks for the media industry.

The review focuses on regulatory gaps, enhancing industry compliance, incorporating technological advancements, and adopting best practices.