The Media Council of Kenya (MCK) has urged government entities to collaborate to streamline clearance and accreditation of foreign journalists.
MCK CEO David Omwoyo underscored the necessity of partnering with the Ministry of Foreign and Diaspora Affairs to simplify the clearance process and create a unified platform.
“The primary aim is to create a more conducive and secure working environment for foreign journalists, ensuring their safety and protection during the fulfilment of their duties while in Kenya”, said Mr Omwoyo when he met foreign journalists in Nairobi.
He highlighted the occurrence of recent instances where foreign journalists have been operating without proper accreditation, despite their crucial role in promoting a transparent, accountable and informed public discourse.
“The Council receives reports of unaccredited foreign journalists and has established regular communication with them. We need to optimise the clearance process for journalists entering the country and raise awareness of our services and requirements”, he emphasised.
The Chairperson of the Foreign Press Association, Africa Kennedy Wandera underscored the importance of foreign journalists’ associations collaborating with the Council in training and capacity building to impart knowledge to the local journalists.
He emphasised the importance of assessing the procedural requirements for foreign journalists to avoid the confiscation of their equipment at entry points.
“A partnership with the Council will create a conducive environment for international journalists to operate in addition to enabling knowledge and exchanging of ideas for growth”, said Mr Wandera.
The Ministry of Foreign and Diaspora Affairs Principal Communication Officer Lucy Kawira stated that the ministry facilitates journalists who enter the country to report on government events and conferences.
“The Ministry of Foreign and Diaspora Affairs must grant approval to foreign journalists planning to cover government events in Kenya. We make a formal request either through a phone call or email, asking them to send their crew to cover the events. Once the crew arrives, they utilise the MCK press card to provide coverage”, she stressed.
Principal Immigration Officer Lawrence Thuku reiterated the need to reinforce compliance with the regulations present.
He further said a collaboration between the ministry and the Council will help in having a one stop shop to make the clearance process less complex and more effective.