The Media Council of Kenya (MCK) has officially enforced the Code of Conduct for Media Practice, 2025. This updated code, which came into effect on July 29, 2025, signifies a bold step toward fostering a media landscape rooted in accountability, professionalism, and ethical journalism. It replaces the previous framework under the Media Council Act, 2013, and reflects a deliberate response to both judicial directives and the evolving digital environment.
The revised Code was published in the Kenya Gazette Supplement No. 70 on May 14, 2025, by Cabinet Secretary for Information, Communications and the Digital Economy, Hon. William Kabogo. Its development was accelerated by a High Court ruling that declared the earlier Broadcasting Code unconstitutional. That decision tasked the Media Council of Kenya (MCK) with creating a new regulatory standard that meets constitutional expectations and speaks directly to the complex realities of today’s media practice.
Among the most impactful shifts in the 2025 Media Code is its comprehensive focus on the protection of children and vulnerable groups. In an era marked by the rapid dissemination of content through traditional and digital platforms, the Code introduces age-appropriate standards designed to shield minors and sensitive audiences from harmful material. At the same time, it addresses emerging challenges like artificial intelligence and user-generated content, emphasizing ethical use and editorial responsibility in the digital age.
The Code also lays down clear expectations for ethical conduct, encouraging journalists to operate with fairness, accuracy, and impartiality. It urges the media to uphold truth over sensationalism, to respect privacy, and to prioritize public interest over personal gain. It also offers stronger dispute resolution mechanisms, allowing for swifter and more just responses to complaints brought against journalists and media institutions.
The ratification of the Code by the National Assembly, followed by confirmation from the Clerk of the House, was hailed by the Media Council as a defining moment. The Council described the Code as a guideline that binds media professionals, regulators, and the public to a shared standard of integrity. The council also call for media accountability and an invitation for constructive feedback from all stakeholders, including the government and civil society.
What sets this Code apart is the consultative process behind it. This time, MCK brought together voices from across the media industry, legal sector, academic institutions, and advocacy groups. This inclusive approach ensured that the final document was not only legally sound but also attuned to the practical realities and moral responsibilities of the Kenyan media ecosystem.
The Media Council also praised journalists and editors for their ongoing dedication to ethical journalism, acknowledging that this transformative Code would not have been possible without their commitment. It emphasized that the new standards are not just regulatory they are aspirational, offering a blueprint for fearless journalism that informs, educates, and empowers the public.
In affirming its role as the sector’s watchdog and enabler, the Media Council reiterated its resolve to nurture a media environment that is free yet fair, bold yet balanced. As Kenya begins implementing the 2025 Code, it enters a new era of journalism one that prioritizes trust, truth, and public service above all else.