The Media Council of Kenya (MCK) will meet with representatives from the media sector on Friday, January 27, to establish a framework for fostering professional journalism.
MCK CEO David Omwoyo said in a statement to newsrooms on Thursday that an increase in people impersonating journalists and using their fictitious titles to extort citizens was what prompted the meeting.
“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,” said Omwoyo.
“In this regard, the Media Council of Kenya has organized a meeting with industry stakeholders this Friday, 27. 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.”
CEO Omwoyo further stated that the commission “remains committed” to fostering an environment that is favorable for media professionals and journalists “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,” noted Omwoyo.
“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,
Omwoyo implied that the commission is operating within the bounds of the law as outlined in section 6(d) of the Media Council Act, 2013, which permits the promotion and improvement of ethical and professional standards among journalists and media organizations.
 will meet with representatives from the media sector on Friday, January 27, to establish a framework for fostering professional journalism.){kind=link}