Media Leaders Call for Dialogue with Government to Rebuild Trust

Nairobi, Kenya — 2025-09-10 10:30 EAT. Media Council of Kenya (MCK) CEO David Omwoyo and other industry figures have urged renewed engagement between media stakeholders and government to restore public trust, protect editorial independence, and explore sustainable funding and self-regulation models. (Media Council of Kenya )

1) The Latest

• What happened now: At a forum convened recently, David Omwoyo appealed for institutionalised dialogue between media houses, regulators, and government. He emphasised that trust in journalism has eroded due to misinformation, political polarisation, and inconsistencies in government messaging. 

• Why it matters: Media credibility is central to democratic accountability; without public confidence in news sources, misinformation and distrust grow.

• Status: Confirmed; proposals for a national media policy task force are under consideration.

2) Context in Brief

• The Media Council of Kenya is a statutory body established under the Media Act, 2004, tasked with regulating the media, accrediting journalists, upholding the Code of Conduct, and handling public complaints. 

• There have been recurring tensions over issues such as government advertising rules, alleged bias in coverage, use of national security laws, and editorial interference, which have fueled claims that media freedom is under threat.

• In recent years, concerns over spread of false information, especially via digital platforms, have placed additional pressure on the media to maintain high ethical standards.

3) Law, Policy, and Process

• Constitution/Acts: The Media Act, 2004 (amended) gives MCK regulatory powers; the Constitution guarantees freedom of expression under Article 33.

• Jurisdiction & Mandate:

  • MCK regulates media standards;

  • Media houses and journalists are bound by the Code of Conduct for Practice of Journalism in Kenya;

  • Government’s role includes providing policy, regulation, and respecting media freedoms.

• What should happen next per law:

  • A policy task force to be formed to review frameworks for funding, ethics, and self-regulation.

  • Possible reforms to government communication policies and advertising regulations.

  • Protection mechanisms for journalists under threat.

4) Voices and Stakeholders

• David Omwoyo (CEO, MCK): Called for “dialogue with government and other stakeholders to restore public confidence in journalism.” Urged media to hold truth, accuracy, clarity as core values. (turn0search0)

• Media Owners / Editors: Proposals to explore sustainable funding models, such as tax incentives, infrastructure support, and reduced import duties on media equipment. (Reported in MCK announcements) (turn0search0)

• Civil Society / Journalists’ Associations: Support for strong self-regulation, safety for journalists, and resisting political or commercial pressures that compromise editorial integrity.

5) Evidence & Data Box

6) Risks and Implications

• Credibility at stake: If media does not act on ethics or remains perceived as biased, public trust may continue to fall.

• Regulatory overreach risk: Without clear protections, government policy may slide into censorship or restrictions under security pretexts.

• Sustainability challenge: Funding models relying heavily on advertising or government contracts may limit independence.

• Digital disruption: Media outlets must adapt to changing consumption habits or risk being sidelined.

7) What We Don’t Know Yet

• Composition and timeline for the proposed media policy task force.

• How government will respond: willingness to create space for independent oversight and press freedom.

• Specific funding incentives under consideration and their fiscal implications.

• How self-regulation would operate in practice: what enforcement, sanctions, or oversight.

8) Timeline

• Early September 2025: MCK issues invitation for renewed media-government dialogue. (turn0search0)

• Past months: Reports of rising misinformation and complaints about inconsistent press freedom protections.

• Proposed Next Steps: Establish task force; possibly draft new policy and legal reforms.

9) What to Watch

• Announcement of task force formation, membership, and mandate.

• Government responses, particularly in policies touching advertising, national security, and regulation.

• Media houses’ adoption (or resistance) to self-regulatory measures.

• Court or legislative developments protecting or challenging press freedom.