The Media Council of Kenya (MCK) has announced the development of new guidelines aimed at ensuring the ethical and appropriate use of Artificial Intelligence (AI), data, and social media in professional journalism.
The guidelines, created by a technical committee, are now open for public comment.
In a statement on Monday, January 20, 2025, MCK said it had developed four key documents: “A Data Governance Guide for Media Practice in Kenya,” “A Media Handbook for Reporting on Artificial Intelligence in Kenya,” “Media Guide on the Use of Artificial Intelligence in Kenya,” and “A Guide on the Use of Social Media and the Internet for Media Practice in Kenya.”
“The Council invites members of the public, stakeholders, and all interested parties to submit their views, comments, and recommendations on the draft guide which will inform its review and to ensure that the guidelines reflect a wide range of views and are in line with the needs of the industry,” read part of the statement signed off by the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) David Omwoyo.
According to MCK, the guidelines aim to help media professionals navigate the challenges posed by technological advancements while maintaining journalistic integrity and public trust.
“These guidelines represent a proactive approach to addressing the evolving challenges and opportunities presented by technological advancements in journalism,” the statement read.
The MCK has since made the guidelines available on its website and is accepting written submissions via email until 26th January 2025.
Meanwhile, the Council said it remains committed to empowering journalists and media practitioners to uphold the highest standards of professionalism while embracing technological innovation.
