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Pursuant to sections 4, 6(h), 23(c) and 46 of the Media Council Act no 46 of 2013, the Media Council of Kenya undertakes Annual Accreditation of journalists practicing in Kenya for purposes of compiling and maintaining a register of journalists, media practitioners, media enterprises and media training institutions in Kenya.
One of its main aims is to improve professionalism among journalists as it ensures that all accredited journalists have the right skills to carry out their duties in a professional manner as accorded to by the Code of Conduct for the Practice of Journalism in Kenya. It also fulfills the Council’s mandate to compile and maintain a register of journalists, media practitioners, media enterprises and such other related registers.
Benefits of Accreditation
1. Helps in professionalization in journalism.
2. It helps journalists to access information by allowing participation in conferences, workshops, trainings and other gatherings.
3. It enhances the protection of the rights and privileges of journalists in the performance of their duties.
Eligibility for Accreditation
The following cadre of people are eligible for accreditation;
- Journalists working in media enterprises
- Freelance journalists
- Foreign Journalist
- Students pursuing media, journalism and communication studies
- Public Relations Practitioners
- Advertising Companies
- Media Trainers
The Accreditation Requirements
The following are the requirements for accreditation;
i. Local Journalists/Media Practitioners
All journalists accrediting for the first time with the Media Council of Kenya MUST provide the following requirements for vetting before proceeding with the accreditation process.
- A letter from the employer
- Professional Certificate (ORIGINAL) that is either a Degree of Diploma in Communication from a recognised training institution
- Portfolio of work done either in Print or Broadcast ( Please provide the work not website links)
- A clear passport size digital photograph
ii. Freelance Journalists
- A reference letter from an organization that publishes your work
- Professional Certificate that is either a Degree of Diploma in Communication from a recognised training institution
- Portfolio of work done either in Print or Broadcast ( Please provide the work not website links)
- A clear passport size digital photograph
iii. Foreign Journalists
All foreign Journalists are required to provide the following;
- A letter from the employer
- Professional Certificate that is either a Degree of Diploma in Communication from a recognised training institution
- Portfolio of work done either in Print or Broadcast ( Please provide the work not website links)
- A clear passport size digital photograph
- Valid Work permit
- Passport
iv.Students
Students studying in accredited colleges and Universities are eligible for accreditation. This will be issued once satisfaction has been made that the student is in their final phase of their training and is proceeding for industrial attachment.
- A letter from training institution indicating that the student is to go for internship
- Valid Student ID
- A clear passport size digital photograph
Note:
Student press cards will ONLY be issued to students going for internship, 4th year Undergraduate students and 3rd year Diploma students.
Card Replacement:
Lost press cards will only be replaced upon production of a police abstract and letter from the employer stating the loss. The card replacement fee is Ksh 300.
Accreditation Fees
- Local Journalist: Ksh 2,000
- Foreign Journalist: Ksh 10,000
- Foreign Journalist (Short Term – 3 Months): Ksh 5,000
- Student: Ksh 300
Privacy of Accreditation Information
Once a journalist is accredited, they agree to disclosure of their accreditation status including when they were accredited, the organization they work for and their academic qualification.
