MCK Acts Against Fake Journalists Extorting & Harassing Kenyans

The Media Council of Kenya (MCK) has summoned the media industry stakeholders for a meeting in the wake of fraudsters masquerading as journalists and media practitioners to extort Kenyans.

In a statement dated Thursday, January 26, MCK through Chief Executive Officer David Omwoyo noted that the fraudsters pretend to be members of the Fourth Estate and gain access to media events with the intent of swindling and harassing innocent members of the public as well as event organizers.

It further stated that the meeting to be held on Friday, January 27 will see the stakeholders be provided with an opportunity to deliberate on the matter and come up with ways to deal with it.

"It has come to our attention that there is an escalation of fraudsters masquerading as journalists and media practitioners who get access to events with the intention of extorting and harassing people.

"In this regard, the Media Council of Kenya has organized a meeting with industry stakeholders this Friday, 27th January 2023, to provide a platform to deliberate on the matter and agree on practical measures to enhance professionalism and to deal with the rising cases of fraudsters posing as journalists," the statement read in part.

The Council further expressed its commitment to fostering a conducive working environment for journalists and media practitioners through improved standards and constantly engaging relevant stakeholders to address pertinent issues affecting the sector.

"MCK will remain at the forefront in protecting the credibility of the media and journalists by ensuring that only accredited journalists are allowed to practice in the country, in line with our Constitutional provisions," the statement added.

The Media Council of Kenya (MCK) is an independent national institution established by the Media Council Act, 2013 for the purposes of setting media standards and ensuring compliance with those standards as envisaged under Article 34(5) of the Constitution.

Further, pursuant to sections 6(d) and 23 of the Act, the Council undertakes to promote and enhance ethical and professional standards amongst journalists and media enterprises and accredits journalists nationwide.

Moreover, the MCK is mandated to provide accreditation to journalists who have satisfied their requirements met. Journalists are issued press cards which serve as an identification method for members of the profession in national functions or any other location of assignment.

Pursuant to sections 4, 6(h), 23(c) and 46 of the Media Council Act no 46 of 2013, the Media Council of Kenya undertakes Annual Accreditation of journalists practising in Kenya for purposes of compiling and maintaining a register of journalists, media practitioners, media enterprises and media training institutions in Kenya.

One of its main aims is to improve professionalism among journalists as it ensures that all accredited journalists have the right skills to carry out their duties in a professional manner as accorded to by the Code of Conduct for the Practice of Journalism in Kenya. It also fulfils the Council’s mandate to compile and maintain a register of journalists, media practitioners, media enterprises and other related registers.

Benefits of Accreditation

1. Helps in professionalization in journalism.
2. It helps journalists to access information by allowing participation in conferences, workshops, trainings and other gatherings.
3. It enhances the protection of the rights and privileges of journalists in the performance of their duties.

Eligibility for Accreditation

The following cadre of people are eligible for accreditation;

• Journalists working in media enterprises
• Freelance journalists
• Foreign Journalist
• Students pursuing media, journalism and communication studies
• Public Relations Practitioners
• Advertising Companies
• Media Trainers