The Media Council of Kenya (MCK) launched a revised Code of Conduct for media practitioners on Saturday, May 25, 2025, during its Annual Media Summit at the College of Insurance in South C, Nairobi.
Themed Public Interest in the Era of Technology: Media Accountability and National Values, the summit brought together media stakeholders, government officials, civil society, and academics to reflect on the evolving media landscape and the ethical challenges brought about by technological advancements.
MCK CEO Mr. David Omwoyo, MBS, unveiled and presented the Annual Performance and Public Perception of Media Report 2025. Later, Cabinet Secretary for Information, Communications, and the Digital Economy, Hon. William Kabogo, officially launched the revised Code of Conduct for media practice, which the government gazetted on May 14, 2025.
The updated Code addresses ethical concerns related to artificial intelligence, user-generated content, influencer marketing, betting, and the protection of children and vulnerable populations. MCK revised the Code following a High Court ruling that nullified the Broadcasting Code and instructed the Council to develop age-appropriate media content standards.
“We will not shut down media platforms, though we have the capacity to do so. Freedom of expression is protected by our Constitution,” said CS Kabogo, urging media practitioners to act ethically in the digital era.
Mr. Omwoyo emphasized that MCK developed the new Code through broad stakeholder consultations, reaffirming the Council’s commitment to professionalism and adaptability in a tech-driven world.
“This Code responds to the realities of a rapidly evolving media environment. It offers ethical guidelines to counter misinformation, hate speech, and the misuse of AI,” he said.
Prominent speakers included UNESCO Kenya Secretary General Dr. James Njogu, KBC CEO Ms. Agnes Kalekye, Kenya Editors’ Guild President Ms. Zubeida Kananu, and Kenya Union of Journalists Secretary General Mr. Eric Oduor.
The discussions revolved around media accountability, AI’s impact on journalism, and the role of media in promoting national values.
Ms. Kananu acknowledged AI’s transformative capabilities but also warned of emerging ethical challenges.
“AI can now transcribe, edit, and publish content in seconds. This is not just a digital shift; it’s a transformation,” she said, encouraging journalists to adapt responsibly.
The Annual Media Performance Report revealed shifting media consumption trends, with television (26%), social media (24%), and radio (23%) leading in weekly audience reach. Despite the growing digital audience, trust in traditional media remains strong.
Kenya has also been shortlisted to host the Africa Media Convention in 2026, an event that would bring together media professionals from across the continent to discuss Africa’s media development.
