By KPC Reporter
The Media Council of Kenya (MCK) has announced that journalists, editors, and media practitioners are free to contest elective positions in the 2027 General Election, while unveiling strict measures to protect the credibility of the media industry.
In a press statement issued on Friday, the Council said national leadership thrives on diverse expertise, noting that “in the same way the legislative and executive arms of governance benefit from the diverse expertise from professionals from other sectors including law, engineering, and medicine, national leadership thrives on multi-sectoral representation.”
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The Council emphasised that media practitioners hold a unique position in society because they control “the very platforms, airwaves, and narratives that shape public opinion and political discourse.”
It added that this distinct influence requires “a higher standard of scrutiny and specialised protocols to prevent conflicts of interest and ensure a level playing field for all political contestants.”
To support journalists transitioning into politics, MCK is designing a Special Governance Support Programme to equip aspirants with leadership and policy tools for effective campaigns.
The he Council invited all media professionals planning to vie for office to formally register their intentions by emailing info@mediacouncil.or.ke.
While encouraging democratic participation, MCK stressed that “the cornerstone of journalism remains fairness, balance, and absolute objectivity.
The credibility and trust of the media industry must be aggressively protected to maintain public trust during the electoral cycle.”
The Council is finalising comprehensive Guidelines on Media Conduct and Reporting for the 2027 General Election.
These will include mandatory resignation timelines for aspirants leaving newsrooms, immediate suspension from hosting, anchoring, or reporting once political intent is declared, and newsroom standards to ensure fair and equal coverage for all candidates without undue privilege to former journalists.
To ensure industry-wide ownership, MCK will convene a Validation Workshop with editorial leadership within 14 days, with the final guidelines set to be launched and gazetted within 30 days.
“The MCK remains committed to fostering a vibrant democracy where media professionals can transition into public leadership transparently, ethically, and without compromising the hard-earned credibility of the Kenyan media,” said David Omwoyo, Chief Executive Officer and Secretary to the Council.
