Kenya adopts new media code, ushering in stricter AI and child protection rules
Kenya has formally adopted a new Code of Conduct for Media Practice, replacing the decade-old framework with revised standards aimed at improving ethical journalism, protecting children, and addressing emerging challenges in the digital media space.
The Code, now in effect, was published in a Special Issue of the Kenya Gazette Supplement No. 70 on May 14, 2025, by Information, Communications and Digital Economy Cabinet Secretary William Kabogo.
It replaces the Second Schedule to the Media Council Act, 2013, and takes over from the former Code of Conduct for the Practice of Journalism in Kenya.
The revision follows a High Court ruling that nullified the previous Broadcasting Code, citing its unconstitutionality. The court ordered the Media Council of Kenya (MCK) to develop standards that better safeguard children and vulnerable groups in media content.
The new Code directly responds to that directive, embedding age-appropriate protection measures and other critical safeguards.
“This is a defining moment for media regulation, professionalism and the unyielding defence of press freedom in the country,” the Council said in a statement welcoming the Code’s enforcement on Tuesday.
Among the key updates are firm rules on the ethical use of artificial intelligence in journalism, responsible management of user-generated content, and clear standards for editorial decision-making.
The Code also introduces stronger accountability measures for media practitioners, while enhancing the Council’s ability to resolve disputes and handle complaints fairly and quickly.
The Media Council commended the National Assembly for approving the new guidelines and the Clerk of the National Assembly for confirming the document, terming the move “a testimony and clarion call for progress.”
“It demands accountability from the media and welcomes critique from the government, fostering trust and mutual respect,” MCK noted.
The Council also applauded media stakeholders for their active role in shaping the Code, which it said was the product of broad consultations across the media, legal, academic and civil society sectors.
“We also applaud the media community for their unwavering commitment to this transformative Code,” the Council added.
The proposed Code of Conduct introduces strict new regulations for media operations. These include heavy penalties for misuse of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and publication of misleading AI-generated content. The guidelines also call for a clear separation between betting or gaming-related content and general news.
In reaffirming its role, the Media Council said it remains dedicated to promoting a media environment anchored in integrity and committed to public service.
“This is the dawn of a new era for ethical, fearless and impactful journalism in Kenya,” the Council stated
The Code, now in effect, was published in a Special Issue of the Kenya Gazette Supplement No. 70 on May 14, 2025, by Information, Communications and Digital Economy Cabinet Secretary William Kabogo.
It replaces the Second Schedule to the Media Council Act, 2013, and takes over from the former Code of Conduct for the Practice of Journalism in Kenya.
The revision follows a High Court ruling that nullified the previous Broadcasting Code, citing its unconstitutionality. The court ordered the Media Council of Kenya (MCK) to develop standards that better safeguard children and vulnerable groups in media content.
The new Code directly responds to that directive, embedding age-appropriate protection measures and other critical safeguards.
“This is a defining moment for media regulation, professionalism and the unyielding defence of press freedom in the country,” the Council said in a statement welcoming the Code’s enforcement on Tuesday.
Among the key updates are firm rules on the ethical use of artificial intelligence in journalism, responsible management of user-generated content, and clear standards for editorial decision-making.
The Code also introduces stronger accountability measures for media practitioners, while enhancing the Council’s ability to resolve disputes and handle complaints fairly and quickly.
The Media Council commended the National Assembly for approving the new guidelines and the Clerk of the National Assembly for confirming the document, terming the move “a testimony and clarion call for progress.”
“It demands accountability from the media and welcomes critique from the government, fostering trust and mutual respect,” MCK noted.
The Council also applauded media stakeholders for their active role in shaping the Code, which it said was the product of broad consultations across the media, legal, academic and civil society sectors.
“We also applaud the media community for their unwavering commitment to this transformative Code,” the Council added.
The proposed Code of Conduct introduces strict new regulations for media operations. These include heavy penalties for misuse of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and publication of misleading AI-generated content. The guidelines also call for a clear separation between betting or gaming-related content and general news.
In reaffirming its role, the Media Council said it remains dedicated to promoting a media environment anchored in integrity and committed to public service.
“This is the dawn of a new era for ethical, fearless and impactful journalism in Kenya,” the Council stated
Media
MCK
william kabogo
journalism
Kenyan journalism
Code of Conduct
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