The Media Council of Kenya (MCK) has cautioned individuals seeking press cards through deceptive means, including submitting suspect academic certificates and recommendation letters during the accreditation process.
In a statement on Friday, CEO David Omwoyo said the MCK conducts thorough verification of all submitted accreditation requirements, including academic qualifications.
He stated that the council collaborates with media houses and educational institutions both within Kenya and internationally.
“Several cases of fraudulent documentation have been identified, reported to the relevant authorities, and are currently under investigation,” he added.
The MCK notified all accreditation applicants that the submission of fake academic certificates and recommendation letters is a violation of Section 48 1 (C) of the Media Council Act 2013.
The section stipulates that any person who knowingly provides false or misleading information to the Council is guilty of an offense and, upon conviction, is liable to a fine not exceeding Sh200,000, imprisonment for a term not exceeding sis months, or both.
Further, the MCK advised all press card applicants that recommendation letters must be submitted on official letterhead and must be signed by authorised persons.
MCK is responsible for accrediting media practitioners and institutions in Kenya to ensure professionalism and ethical standards in the industry.
The accreditation process is a way of formally recognising and authorising journalists, media houses and media professionals to operate in line with established regulations.
The accreditation types include individual accreditation, for journalists who are working for registered media houses, freelancers or those involved in media-related work (such as camera operators, editors) can apply.
Requirements typically include proof of employment or freelance status, educational qualifications, and adherence to journalistic ethics.
Secondly, there is the media house accreditation for organisations including radio stations, TV stations, newspapers, online media outlets and news agencies.
The media house must be registered with the Communication Authority of Kenya (CA) and operate in accordance with the laws of Kenya.
The special accreditation covers journalists or media professionals covering special events like conferences, press conferences, elections.
They may receive temporary accreditation for the duration of such events.
In overall, the purpose of accreditation is to ensure that media professionals adhere to the ethics and standards set by the Media Council of Kenya, promote transparency and accountability within the media industry, and to provide journalists with the legal protection and recognition they need while performing their duties.
