This archive report was first published on 4 October 2019.
Media practitioners have until two weeks to submit their views on proposed accreditation guidelines aimed at curbing rampant impersonation and corruption in the journalism profession.
The Media Council of Kenya (MCK) wants journalists, media owners, and other stakeholders to submit their opinions in writing regarding the amendments.
According to MCK chief executive David Omwoyo, the current accreditation system is open to manipulation by some individuals who masquerade as active journalists.
"We have received numerous complaints from both the public and major media houses on the conduct of some people we have accredited to practice journalism. As a result, we have decided to tighten the loopholes," said Mr. Omwoyo on October 4, 2019.
Under the proposed regulations, a journalist will be accredited only through editors, and the accreditation card will be surrendered to those editors when terminated from work.
MCK found that individuals who left certain media houses long ago were operating as employees of the same, using their accreditation cards to access press conferences and extort money.
"Extortion has become the order of the day in this profession. It is done by some people who use our accreditation cards. Therefore, even as you give your feedback, bear in mind that we intend to give accreditation only to deserving cases," Mr. Omwoyo said.
Among the proposed conditions for accreditation is that a person should have a diploma or degree in journalism or media studies.
Additionally, all talk-show hosts, comedians, and cartoonists must undergo mandatory training on Ethics and Media Laws before they are allowed to practice in newsrooms.
The crackdown will also be extended to colleges and institutions training people in journalism, such that only trained journalists shall be allowed to train journalists.
