The Media Council of Kenya (MCK) has called on media stakeholders to adopt an inclusive approach in developing strategies for integrating Artificial Intelligence (AI) into the industry.
MCK CEO David Omwoyo says industry players should engage constructively in the ongoing discourse on AI at national and sectoral levels to address concerns about its use in the media.
“There is an ongoing national conversation on artificial intelligence. The goal is not to introduce numerous regulations but to ensure media-related issues are consolidated and incorporated into existing frameworks such as the Code of Conduct for the Practice of Journalism and the Programming Code”, said Mr Omwoyo at a stakeholders’ retreat on AI guidelines, social media and data protection held in Machakos County.
He urged journalists to collaborate with like-minded partners who provide resources to help media houses develop in-house guidelines aligned with the national framework established by the Technical Working Group on Artificial Intelligence spearheaded by MCK.
Mr Omwoyo commended development partners for their complimentary support in pushing for new technologies, singling Internews Kenya for its instrumental role in building the capacity for media houses to develop the guidelines.
Internews Country Lead and Regional Programme Manager Ms Fatuma Sanbur reiterated her organisation’s commitment to support the media through the Kensafe Space project.
“Internews is pleased to partner with MCK to review and validate AI, data and social media guidelines for newsrooms. This aligns with our Kenya Safe and Inclusive Digital Space project, which collaborates with various stakeholders to promote safety and uphold the rights of internet users in Kenya. We aim to enhance information integrity and support the responsible use of technology in the media”, said Ms Sanbur.
Technical Working Group Taskforce Chair Ken Bosire added the team will incorporate stakeholder feedback and emerging issues to finalise the guidelines.
“After the validation exercise, we will incorporate the views and any emerging issues in AI and social media to ensure ownership and further discussion”, he stated.
Mr Bosire further mentioned that a nine- member team has been formed to consolidate Child Protection matters for inclusion in the updated Code of Conduct for the Practice of Journalism in Kenya. This is in line with a court ruling mandating MCK to ensure compliance with the Programming Code.
“Amidst the rapid evolution of digitalisation and AI technologies, our primary objective remains safeguarding journalism practice”, he stressed.
The initiative underscores the media industry's commitment to adapting responsibly to emerging technologies while ensuring ethical practices and inclusivity.