The Media Council of Kenya (MCK) has voiced serious concerns about the state of journalism in the country, pointing to a decline in ethical standards and a growing culture of impunity among media organisations.
Speaking at the launch of the 2025 Annual Journalism Excellence Awards (AJEA) nomination process, MCK CEO David Omwoyo highlighted several troubling trends, including the increasing use of anonymous sources, the erosion of the right of reply and the blurring line between journalism and activism.
Mr Omwoyo cautioned that the frequent reliance on unnamed sources and the omission of the right of reply in news stories have become normalised, undermining journalistic integrity.
“We have lowered the bar far too much”, he said, questioning whether the media is still serving as a watchdog or yielding to external pressures.
He also expressed alarm over impunity within the industry, noting that many media houses disregard the authority of the Media Complaints Commission in resolving media-related disputes.
Beyond internal issues, Omwoyo addressed the media’s role in amplifying conflicts between government entities, asking who should bear responsibility for upholding ethical standards in such cases.
He called on media owners to prioritise their employees’ welfare, arguing that unpaid salaries and neglected statutory dues directly threaten press freedom. "Media houses must be responsible and accountable”, he emphasised.
Mr Omwoyo also advocated for scrutiny of media interest groups in Kenya, insisting that those straying from their mandate to advance press freedom be held accountable.
"We need to reflect on their role and call out those who are out of step”, he said.
This year’s AJEA received 809 entries, including 246 in the digital category, 210 for TV, 177 for print, and 176 for radio. Winners will be honoured during the World Press Freedom Day celebrations to be held in May this year.