By PSCU
The Departmental Committee on Communication, Information and Innovation (CII) led by John Kiarie met with the Media Council of Kenya (MCK), to deliberate on pressing issues shaping Kenya’s media landscape. The agenda focused on the newly revised Code of Conduct for Media Practice (2025), the status of media regulation and monitoring, and the operationalisation of media hubs across the country.
The MCK Chief Executive Officer, David Omwoyo highlighted the expansion of media hubs, which serve as digital content production centres for accredited journalists, student journalists and independent creators. There are currently six operational hubs in Busia, Kisii, Kisumu, Mombasa, Malindi and Eldoret. They offer facilities including high-speed internet, editing suites, production studios and multimedia software. Two additional hubs in Meru and Nakuru are nearing completion, further decentralising access to modern ICT infrastructure.
The Media Council reported that the industry is under severe financial strain, with many outlets struggling to meet salaries, license fees, and basic operational costs. The CEO cautioned that nearly 90 percent of media houses risk closure if the situation is not addressed. Legislators warned that such a collapse would leave the nation vulnerable to misinformation and unstructured information sources. As part of the discussion, members proposed steering existing media houses toward embracing the digital era of news production rather than channeling billions into outdated equipment and obsolete methods.
The Council also revealed plans to establish an AI-powered monitoring system to track content and emerging narratives. The Committee urged MCK to adequately engage Parliament in the restructuring of regulations and creation of policies to ensure best practices.
“The narratives shaping our world today are increasingly dictated by algorithms and platforms outside traditional newsrooms. Parliament wants to ensure Kenyans are protected from misinformation while preserving a free and responsible press,” Kiarie said in his closing statement.
Members also resolved to work with the Media Council through partnership with the Centre for Parliamentary Studies and Training (CPST) to equip Legislators with media literacy skills ahead of the next election cycle.
