MCK Recalls All Journalists' Press Cards, Announces Changes

The Media Council of Kenya (MCK) has announced that all journalists will return their press cards which show proof of their accreditation across the country.

In a statement on Friday, January 27, the media regulator announced that the decision was made in a bid to contain the rampant cases of fraudsters masquerading as journalists and media practitioners to extort Kenyans.

The current press cards will thus be phased out to pave way for new cards containing additional security features.

An image of the current press cards which will be phased out for new ones. /TWITTER.MEDIA COUNCIL OF KENYA

Among those features include barcodes and QR codes that will help in authenticating the identity of journalists once they are rolled out.

“Media Council of Kenya to recall all accreditation cards in a bid to contain fraudsters posing as journalists.

"New Press Cards have additional features including a barcode and QR code that can be scanned using any smartphone," MCK announced.

However, the timelines for effecting the changes were not announced by the media regulator. This comes a day after the MCK raised an alarm regarding the fraudsters pretending to be members of the Fourth Estate and gaining access to media events with the intent of swindling and harassing innocent members of the public as well as event organizers.

"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 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.