The Media Council of Kenya has launched Strategic Plan 2026–2030 and the Guidelines for Election Coverage 2027.
Speaking in Nakuru on Friday August 14, 2026 during the launch, Cabinet Secretary Ministry of Information, Communication and Digital Economy William Kabogo urged Journalists to ensure responsible Journalism.
While noting that 2027 general polls are just approaching, the CS reiterated the need for media to continue embracing professionalism.
The CS pointed out that with the emergence of technology such as AI, journalists should embrace the same but also ensure verification of every information before disseminating to the public.
Meanwhile, the CS announced that the Ministry will work towards ensuring that Media Council of Kenya is well funded.
During the launch, messages around Safety & security for all journalists took centre stage.
Media Council of Kenya CEO David Omwoyo who addressed during the launch said the Plan is a strategic direction for the next 4 years.
He urged media practitioners to maintain the code of conduct.
“Scoop should not derail factual reporting. With AI, calls for proper verification methods,” stated Omwoyo.
Sentiments echoed by MCK Chairman Mr. Maina Muiruri who reiterated the need to continue strengthening Institutional capacity, safety of journalists and ensuring independent media.
He urged Media Houses to embrace guidelines for Elections coverage.
On her part Kenya Editors Guild President Zubeida Kananu termed the Strategic Plan a compass of where the media sector intend to go.
While noting that AI is transforming how information is delivered and manipulated, Kananu called on journalists to ensure verification and always have public interest first.
She maintained that editors should always remember that they remain gatekeepers.
On matters safety of Journalists, the KEG President called for need to ensure safety of journalists both online and offline and that newsrooms should put systems in place towards the same.
Meanwhile, she revealed that KEG has entered into an MoU with IEBC towards training of Journalists on matters elections reporting ahead of 2027 general polls.
Kenya Union of Journalists Secretary General Eric Oduor termed the document key as the country heads to General Elections.
Oduor noted that the media sector is currently in a crisis of human capital, and called for the need to invest in human capital to avert technology taking over.
“Misinformation, disinformation remains a challenge as we head to general polls. We need to work towards ensuring no information gap as far as elections concerned,” he said.