The Media Council of Kenya (MCK) has reaffirmed the role of journalists in combating counterfeiting.
MCK Kisumu Regional Coordinator Evans Teddy encouraged journalists to specialise in covering counterfeiting issues to raise public awareness and educate consumers about the dangers of counterfeit products.
He highlighted that many individuals have fallen victim to counterfeit goods in the market.
“We need a pool of journalists with a thorough understanding of counterfeiting and intellectual property rights to help tackle this issue through in-depth research and informative reporting,” said Teddy at a joint sensitisation forum by the MCK and the Anti-Counterfeit Authority (ACA) to bolster journalists’ roles in reporting on counterfeiting and intellectual property (IP) rights.
He further urged the Anti-Counterfeit Authority to collaborate with media houses in Kisumu County to conduct public awareness initiatives on counterfeiting matters.
Representing ACA Chief Executive Officer Dr Robi Mbugua Njoroge, Deputy Director of Research and Policy Henry Maina pledged the Authority’s support for journalists.
He encouraged them to commit to producing at least two stories annually on counterfeit goods to help educate the public. He also requested that the MCK consider introducing a category on counterfeiting and IP rights in next year’s Annual Journalism Excellence Awards (AJEA).
Veteran journalist and media trainer Maina Muiruri urged reporters to uphold ethics and accuracy when covering counterfeiting and IP rights issues.
He advised them to familiarise themselves with the ACA’s mandate and the broader framework of IP rights protection. Additionally, he called on media houses to consider establishing dedicated desks for counterfeiting and IP rights reporting.
“Journalists must report on counterfeiting and IP rights with accuracy and integrity. Media houses should consider setting up dedicated desks for this vital beat,” said Mr Muiruri.
During the sensitisation forum, Mr Maina reminded journalists to familiarise themselves with the new Code of Conduct for Media Practice 2025 when reporting on counterfeiting and related stories.
His sentiments were echoed by Mr Teddy, who urged journalists to avoid negligence and ensure adherence to the updated code.