By KPC Reporter
Media ethics, the expanding role of artificial intelligence, and the management of public complaints featured prominently during a joint engagement between the Media Council of Kenya (MCK) Board and the Media Complaints Commission.
The forum brought together the newly appointed MCK Board and the Complaints Commission, both established under the Media Council Act, offering an opportunity to harmonise priorities and deepen cooperation between the two organs.
MCK Board Chairperson Maina Muiruri observed that the swift uptake of artificial intelligence has had a major impact on news writing, disrupting long-standing media practices.
He underscored the importance of deliberate capacity building to ensure the sector keeps pace with technological change.
“AI has come in and transformed many of the traditional ways of working. We must now deliberately invest in AI-centred training if we are to remain relevant and effective,” he said.
The Chairperson further revealed that the Council has developed an ICT Strategic Plan to respond to the evolving digital landscape, noting that such a guiding framework had previously been absent.
He called on the Council to undertake internal awareness sessions to ensure staff fully understand the new ICT Strategic Plan and other policies currently under review by the Board.
MCK Chief Executive Officer David Omwoyo highlighted the pressing need to equip journalists and media organisations with skills that match global trends and technological developments.
He reiterated that artificial intelligence is reshaping news gathering and broadcasting, with tools already capable of generating news content and producing radio programmes.
Mr Omwoyo emphasised the value of structured AI training to create a critical mass of experts who can train others, strengthening the long-term sustainability of the media sector, while also examining appropriate regulatory frameworks to guide ethical AI use in journalism.
“AI is no longer a concept of the future; it is already part of our daily lives and work. The task before us is to build capacity and develop mechanisms to guide its application within media practice,” he said.
Friedrich-Naumann-Foundation for Freedom Kenya Senior Project Manager Judy Kaberia urged stakeholders to familiarise themselves with the revised Code of Conduct for Media Practice, citing its significance for press freedom.
She noted that the code is vital in safeguarding professional standards, especially as the country approaches the next general elections.
Ms Kaberia outlined FNF’s ongoing initiatives to promote press freedom and support the media sector, reaffirming the foundation’s commitment to continued collaboration with the media regulator.
She further remarked that Kenya has historically demonstrated strong election coverage compared to neighbouring countries, and called for continued professionalism and accountability to preserve these gains.
Complaints Commission Vice Chairperson Polly Gathoni briefed the meeting on the Commission’s current workload, indicating that five cases have been earmarked for mediation.
She described the engagement as timely, noting that the revised code will be instrumental in both adjudication and mediation processes.
She added that effective dispute resolution enhances accountability, builds public trust in the media, and minimises the need for lengthy adjudication.
The session also featured departmental briefings, with MCK managers outlining their respective roles to Commissioners and Board members.
The presentations were intended to promote institutional understanding, improve coordination, and strengthen collective oversight of the Council’s mandate.
