The regulatory body further advises media organizations engaged in broadcast to note “that valid Media Council of Kenya accreditation will now be prerequisite for the renewal of their broadcast licenses by the Communications Authority of Kenya, effective from 1st July 2020.”
“Initially we were only accrediting journalists now we accredit all media professionals,” MCK CEO told ACI Africa Wednesday, January 8.
Asked if each applicant must present oneself in person to the Nairobi-based MCK bureau for accreditation, the CEO said that his organization can be invited to entities with at least a group of 20 applicants.
Omwoyo who previously headed the Communications department of the Conference of Catholic Bishops in Kenya told ACI Africa that his organization expects an immediate response from journalists and media professionals operating in Kenya because of the “consequences of not being accredited in this risky environment.”
Views from journalists and media practitioners were sought last year ahead of the implementation of the new set of regulations.
“We have received enormous complaints from both the public and some major media houses on the conduct of some people we have accredited to practice journalism. As a result, we have decided to tighten the loopholes,” Mr. Omwoyo was quoted as saying in October 2019.
Kenyan journalists, freelancers, media practitioners and trainers are expected to pay KES.2,000 (US$20.00) for their accreditation. Foreign journalists practicing for a short term will pay KES.5,000.00 (US$50.00) while long-term foreign media practitioners will part with KES.10,000 (US$100.00). The accreditation fee for students is KES.300 (US$3.00).
Magdalene Kahiu contributed to this story
Fr. Don Bosco Onyalla is ACI Africa’s founding Editor-in-Chief. He was formed in the Congregation of the Holy Ghost Fathers (Spiritans), and later incardinated in Rumbek Diocese, South Sudan. He has a PhD in Media Studies from Daystar University in Kenya, and a Master’s degree in Organizational Communication from Marist College, New York, USA.
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