By Janet Nyamwamu
Kenya’s media industry leaders have thrown their weight behind the proposed Code of Conduct for Media Practice, 2025, urging Parliament to accelerate its ratification.
They said this will strengthen ethical journalism and rebuild public trust in the digital era.
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Appearing before the National Assembly Committee on Delegated Legislation, representatives from the Kenya Editors Guild (KEG) and the Kenya Union of Journalists (KUJ) affirmed that the code was crafted through wide consultation and reflects the evolving realities of news production and consumption.
KEG President Zubeida Kananu presented a joint memorandum on behalf of leading media associations including the Media Owners Association (MOA), Digital Broadcasters Association (DBA), Kenya Parliamentary Journalists Association (KPJA), and the Association of Media Women in Kenya (AMWiK).
She called the code “a timely and progressive step forward for Kenya’s media landscape.”
Kananu urged lawmakers to ratify the document swiftly to promote responsible reporting and enhance civic engagement.
KUJ Secretary General Erick Oduor echoed the sentiment, underscoring that the code supports press freedom rather than limiting it.
He described it as a tool for protecting journalists and enhancing their professionalism under Article 34 of the Constitution.
The revised code includes major updates tailored to modern challenges, such as misuse of artificial intelligence, the blurred lines between news and betting content, and misleading headlines.
It also introduces a seven-second delay on live broadcasts to guard against the airing of inappropriate material.
Though the provision sparked concern from some legislators, who feared it might expose individual reporters to punitive measures, Vice Chairperson Robert Gichimu noted the importance of verifying stakeholder support.
“If those most affected, the journalists, confirm they were involved and are in support, then we are satisfied,” he said.
Cabinet Secretary William Kabogo, who previously appeared before the committee to defend the new code, emphasized its alignment with Legal Notice No. 88 of May 2025 and its adherence to international media standards.
He was joined by Principal Secretary Stephen Isaboke and Media Council of Kenya CEO David Omwoyo, who confirmed that feedback from journalist unions and public forums had shaped the final draft.
In a related session, PS Fikirini Jacobs presented draft guidelines on film classification aimed at shielding children and vulnerable populations from harmful content.
With momentum building, stakeholders now await parliamentary action to cement reforms that could usher in a new era of media integrity in Kenya.
