The regulatory body of media industry in Kenya, Media Council of Kenya (MCK) has introduced a new set of press rules that will affect the journalists and media houses.

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In the new rules, media houses will be unable to renew their broadcasting licenses unless they have accreditation from MCK. 

This rule is to be effected from July 1, 2020.

Journalists are supposed to apply for a new smart press card that captures their biometric data. 

The new press card expires after one year and it dates from January 1 to December 31 unlike the present press cards which a year begins from any month. 

MCK has also announced invalidation of the current press cards.

“Accreditation will now be valid for one calendar year (January 1, 2020 to December 31, 2020) unless stated otherwise for foreign journalists – and invalidates all previous cards issued by the Media Council of Kenya." said David Omwoyo, Chief Executive Officer at MCK as quoted by Nation.

Mr Omwoyo advised all media practitioners, enterprises and trainers to apply for accreditation to evade any future interference of their work.

The accreditation fees for foreign journalists is Sh5,000 for short term and Sh10,000 for a long term, local journalists and practitioners is Sh2,000 and students are expected to part with Sh300.

The aim of this new move, according to MCK, is to eliminate quacks in the media industry.