By Courtesy/ MCK
East Africa’s journalism is set to undergo a major transformation following the signing of a robust strategic partnership between the Media Council of Kenya (MCK) and the Innovation Foundation for Democracy (IFD).
This definitive agreement, formalised via a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) on 11 November 2025, establishes a clear framework for collaboration aimed at advancing media integrity, democratic governance, and civic engagement across Kenya and the wider East African region.
The MOU, signed by MCK CEO Mr David Omwoyo and the Foundation’s Regional Coordinator for East and Central Africa Dr. Richard Makon, affirms the organisations’ shared commitment to strengthening information integrity in the media industry and promoting core democratic values.
The joint framework encompasses several key initiatives designed to combat digital threats and enhance media professionalism.
To address misinformation, disinformation, and hate speech, the partners will develop a data-driven system for monitoring and analysing these threats, with MCK leading the initiative and IFD providing essential infrastructure and tools.
They will also explore innovative tools, such as artificial intelligence, for content verification and fact-checking.
Additionally, the collaboration involves carrying out joint research on the impact of digital media on democratic governance, with MCK contributing technical expertise and IFD facilitating access to its network of experts.
In the critical area of capacity building and professional development, MCK and IFD will jointly organise training for African civil society actors at IFD’s Virtual Learning and Innovation Hub in South Africa in 2026.
They will also develop training programmes for journalists, bloggers, and citizens on responsible digital media usage and establish a virtual training centre using digital platforms to broaden access to professional development for media practitioners.
The partners will further implement media literacy and civic engagement programmes to empower the public to critically evaluate information and participate meaningfully in democratic processes.
Beyond these efforts, the joint framework creates an opportunity for both organisations to co-host a regional conference on digital innovation for democracy and accountability.
Furthermore, efforts will focus on strengthening access to information frameworks and promoting transparency in governance and media practices. MCK will utilise its regulatory and advocacy platforms to amplify the findings of these joint initiatives, enhancing their impact.
Speaking during the signing ceremony, MCK CEO David Omwoyo underscored the urgent need to establish protocols for combating digital threats while promoting data-driven, factual, and ethical reporting that upholds the highest professional standards.
“There is a need to establish community protocols, particularly in accreditation guidelines and the code of ethics”, he noted, adding that the collaboration will also promote joint accreditation frameworks and standardised guidelines across East Africa.
The Regional Coordinator for East and Central Africa at IFD Dr Richard Makon reaffirmed the organisation’s commitment to a partnership grounded in shared values.
“Strengthening democracy requires credible information ecosystems. Through this partnership, we aim to empower journalists, build public trust and enhance citizens’ ability to participate meaningfully in governance”, he said.
Through these focused and collaborative efforts, MCK and IFD aim to foster ethical journalism, counter digital threats, and strengthen Kenya’s media landscape in support of a vibrant democratic society.