By Mumo Judah | May 29, 2026
The Media Council of Kenya (MCK) has encouraged journalists, editors and other media practitioners who are interested in elective politics to consider contesting in the 2027 General Election, while at the same time unveiling measures aimed at safeguarding professionalism, credibility and ethical standards within the media industry during the election period.
The Council says journalists have a constitutional right to participate in democratic processes, including vying for political office, but emphasized that those who choose to enter politics must fully disengage from active journalism roles to avoid conflicts of interest and protect public trust in the media.
The remarks come at a time when preparations for the 2027 General Election are gradually taking shape, with increased political activity expected across the country and concerns rising over misinformation, biased reporting and the role of media in shaping public opinion.
According to the Media Council, journalists possess valuable experience in communication, public affairs and governance issues, making them well positioned to contribute meaningfully in leadership roles if they choose to transition into politics.
However, the Council has cautioned that such transitions must be handled carefully, with clear separation between journalistic work and political engagement to avoid undermining the credibility of newsrooms and the independence of the press.
MCK has also outlined ethical expectations for media houses during the election period, urging editors and newsroom managers to strengthen internal editorial policies that promote fairness, accuracy and balanced political coverage. The Council further stressed the importance of transparency in reporting political developments and avoiding the spread of misinformation or partisan narratives.
The regulator noted that elections often place significant pressure on media practitioners due to heightened political competition, public interest and the rapid spread of information through digital platforms. It warned that without strong ethical safeguards, journalism risks being compromised by propaganda, political influence and disinformation campaigns.
To address these challenges, MCK says it will enhance monitoring of media content during the election cycle and work closely with media houses to ensure compliance with professional standards. It also plans to intensify training programs for journalists on election reporting, fact-checking and responsible use of social media.
The Council further emphasized that journalists who choose to run for office must resign or formally exit newsroom duties well before engaging in campaigns, in order to maintain a clear boundary between political ambition and journalistic responsibility.
Media stakeholders have welcomed the guidance, noting that elections in Kenya have historically placed the media at the centre of political discourse, often exposing journalists to pressure from political actors and public scrutiny over coverage decisions.
The MCK says its broader goal is to ensure that the 2027 electoral cycle is covered in a manner that strengthens democracy, protects public trust in the media and promotes informed decision-making among voters.
As political activity continues to build ahead of the elections, the Council has urged all media practitioners to uphold integrity, professionalism and independence, even as some consider taking the rare step of transitioning from reporting the news to directly shaping national leadership.
