MCK to recall accreditation cards following cases of fraudsters

Media Council of Kenya has announced recalling of all accreditation cards in a bid to contain fraudsters posing as journalists.

MCK through a statement said new Press cards will have additional unique features that will be used for identifications. 

"The new cards will include a barcode and QR code that can be scanned using any smartphone," the statement read. 

MCK conveyed a meeting with various stakeholders to end the challenge of fraudsters. 

CEO David Omwoyo in a statement said the meeting is a result of an increase in the number of fraudsters who claim to be journalists to extort and harass people.

“It has come to our attention that there is an escalation of fraudsters masquerading as journalists and media practitioners who get access to events to extort and harass people,” Omwoyo said.  

“The council is committed to fostering a conducive working environment for journalists and media practitioners through improved standards and constantly engaging relevant stakeholders to address pertinent issues.”

Omwoyo reiterated the council's commitment to protecting the image and credibility of the media industry, noting that they will ensure only accredited journalists are allowed to practice in the country.

MCK is a body charged with the responsibility of promoting high professional standards amongst journalists in Kenya.

The council accredits both local and foreign journalists by certifying their competence, authority or credibility against official standards based on the quality and training of journalists in Kenya.

This includes maintaining a register of journalists and issuance of such documents as evidence that the journalist is duly accredited.