The Media Council of Kenya (MCK) has highlighted the critical role of stakeholder participation in the legislative review of the Media Council Act 2013 (the Act) to promote professionalism in the media sector.
Speaking during an engagement with stakeholders from the media sector, MCK Director for Corporate Affairs Hillary Korir emphasised that the review would provide an opportunity for stakeholders to interrogate MCK’s proposed amendments to the Act and identify gaps in the legislative framework. He further averred that the recommendations made would be subsequently presented before the Working Sector Committee appointed on 8th September 2023 by the Cabinet Secretary Ministry of Information, Communication, and the Digital Economy Committee.
“The purpose of engaging with stakeholders is to obtain industry support before submitting to the working committee for legislative review, by identifying industry gaps and providing recommendations aimed at producing a comprehensive document”, he said.
MCK Director for Media Training and Development victor Bwire shed light on the challenges faced in the media industry. He said these challenges include violation of press freedom, diminishing public trust, widespread disinformation, discord among media stakeholders, financial constraints and technological disruptions.
It is necessary for us to consider approaches to reforming the media industry and enhancing its viability. Media houses should establish micro policies to manage their businesses”, he stressed.
MCK Manager for Regulatory Affairs Terence Bavon Minishi further stated that this engagement aims to provide clarity and get stakeholder feedback on proposed amendments to the Media Council Act 2013 which establishes the MCK and the Complaints Commission
“The review of the Act will ensure the MCK is empowered to effectively discharge it’s made to set media standards, regulate and monitor compliance with set standards. The proposed amendments also seek to streamline the functions of the Media Council of Kenya and the Complaints Commission”, said Mr Minishi.
He added that the team was also reviewing the draft Code of Conduct for the practice of journalism, , draft Advertising guidelines, draft MIL policy, and Draft Media Policy Guidelines.
United States International University (USIU) Lecturer Prof. Joseph Nyanoti said the engagement is providing a platform for open dialogue to discuss emerging issues and foster collaboration with the shared goal of advancing the media sector.
“Stakeholders’ involvement in the legislative review is vital in enhancing collaborations that seek to transform and building a sustainable and vibrant media sector”, he said.