The National Assembly’s Committee on Delegated Legislation on Thursday, July 3, 2025, reviewed a revised Code of Conduct for Media Practice, 2025, proposing strict measures to regulate Kenya’s media landscape in response to digital challenges and global media trends.
The meeting, held at Bunge Towers in Nairobi, was chaired by Ainabkoi Member of Parliament Samuel Chepkonga.
Information, Communication and Digital Economy Cabinet Secretary William Kabogo, accompanied by the Principal Secretary for Telecommunications and Broadcasting, Stephen Isaboke, and Media Council of Kenya (MCK) CEO David Omwoyo, led officials from the Ministry in presenting the new regulations to the Committee.
Tough Measures on AI and Misleading Content
The proposed Code will introduce firm guidelines for media operations, including heavy penalties for the misuse of Artificial Intelligence and publication of misleading AI-generated content.
Additionally, the regulations will require a clear distinction between betting or gaming content and general news. Media outlets may also face sanctions for using headlines that do not accurately reflect the content of their stories.
Furthermore, the guidelines proposed a mandatory seven-second delay in live broadcasts to prevent the accidental airing of inappropriate or non-compliant content.
“These measures are part of efforts to uphold ethical journalism and protect the public, particularly children, from harmful or misleading content,” read a statement from the parliament of Kenya.
MPs Raise Press Freedom Concerns
While acknowledging the need to modernise media standards, Committee members expressed concerns over certain proposals.
The Chairperson, Chepkonga and Vice Chairperson, Robert Gichimu, raised fears that some provisions could restrict press freedom, especially those affecting live coverage.
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They warned that the regulations could unfairly target individual journalists while leaving media owners unaffected.
Government Defends Review Process
CS Kabogo defended the regulations, clarifying that they are not entirely new but a revision of existing standards under the Media Council Act.
“In May 2025, I enacted Legal Notice No. 88, which replaced the Second Schedule to the Media Council Act with a revised and comprehensive Code of Conduct for Media Practice, 2025,” he said.
He emphasised that the update aligns Kenya’s media framework with international best practices in digital media regulation and child protection.
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“This review brings Kenya in line with international standards on digital media, ethical journalism, and child protection,” CS Kabogo added.
PS Isaboke emphasised that the draft Code underwent wide-ranging public participation led by the MCK.
“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.
The Committee will continue its review before making a final decision on the proposed Code.
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