Kenya's media fraternity is pushing Parliament for the swift enactment of the comprehensive Code of Conduct for Media Practice, 2025, a landmark document designed to bolster ethical journalism and restore public trust in an evolving digital landscape. Led by the Media Council of Kenya (MCK) and key industry associations, stakeholders have urged Members of Parliament to fast-track the code's implementation to address contemporary media challenges.
Appearing before the National Assembly Committee on Delegated Legislation on Tuesday, July 22, media leaders affirmed that the updated code represents a crucial step forward for professional reporting. They emphasized that the document has undergone extensive public participation, garnering overwhelming support from practitioners across the industry.
The team that took the Code to Parliament included representatives from the Kenya Editors' Guild (KEG), Kenya Union of Journalists (KUJ), Media Owners Association (MOA), Digital Broadcasters Association (DBA), Kenya Parliamentary Journalists Association (KPJA), and the Association of Media Women in Kenya (AMWIK). An image of Media Group Stakeholders during the National Assembly Committee on Delegated Legislation meeting on July 22, 2025.
Facebook Parliament of Kenya MCK CEO David Omwoyo and PS Stephen Isaboke, on July 3, informed the National Assembly's Committee on Delegated Legislation that stakeholders consulted were representatives from journalist unions and various media organizations. "We invited feedback from the public and industry stakeholders, and incorporated many of the recommendations received, in line with our regulatory mandate," said the PS. New Code The revised code introduces robust provisions aimed at safeguarding children and vulnerable groups, combating hate speech, and ensuring greater accuracy and accountability in a rapidly changing media environment. Its swift ratification is deemed essential by stakeholders not only to enhance media professionalism but also to protect press freedom under Article 34 of the Constitution, setting a new benchmark for media integrity in Kenya.
