By KPC Reporter
The Media Council of Kenya (MCK) has directed all broadcasters to introduce a mandatory seven-second delay on live transmissions as required.
This move is aimed at curbing the spread of harmful and unverified content.
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In an advisory issued Tuesday, the regulator cited a rise in inflammatory statements, misinformation, and manipulated content aired during live broadcasts as the basis for the directive.
“The Media Council of Kenya has noted an increase in inflammatory statements, misinformation and manipulated media content broadcast through media platforms,” the statement said.
The new requirement, anchored in Clause 11 of the Code of Conduct for Media Practice, compels media houses to delay live broadcasts long enough to prevent the airing of content that could violate ethical standards.
“Mandatory delay for live broadcasts – A media enterprise shall incorporate a minimum seven-second delay in live broadcasts to prevent the unintended publication of material that violates this Code,” MCK stated.
The council emphasized that while media freedom remains protected, it must be exercised alongside responsibility and accountability.
“MCK affirms that a well-regulated media ecosystem should uphold freedom of expression while ensuring responsibility and accountability,” the advisory read, adding that such a balance is key to promoting public-interest journalism and strengthening democratic governance.
The regulator warned that media houses will bear legal responsibility for any harmful content aired, including hate speech or offensive material, even if broadcast live.
“Any legal infractions arising from such content… ultimately attract legal responsibility on the part of the platform or publisher that disseminates it,” the statement noted.
Media organizations have further been urged to ensure that editorial content, including commentary and news items, does not incite public anger or aggravate tensions.
Offensive language, the council said, must be redacted, especially when reporting on sensitive issues.
The advisory also singled out live coverage of political rallies, cautioning that media houses remain fully accountable for statements made during such events.
“Although the MCK and the media sector are not responsible for utterances made at political rallies… once such remarks are transmitted via a media platform, they become subject to media regulations,” it said.
MCK called on journalists and media enterprises to take pre-emptive action to avoid breaching the Code of Ethics, reinforcing its mandate to regulate standards and ensure compliance across both online and offline platforms.
The directive takes immediate effect.
