Cabinet Secretary for Information, Communication, and Digital Economy, William Kabogo, has come out in firm defense of the newly proposed media regulations, saying they are essential in aligning Kenya’s media environment with fast-evolving global standards and digital realities.
Appearing before the National Assembly’s Committee on Delegated Legislation on Thursday, July 3, Kabogo said the updated code of conduct, introduced under the Media Council Act, is designed to strengthen ethical journalism in the digital age, particularly in response to emerging threats such as the misuse of Artificial Intelligence and the spread of misleading content.
He noted that the code introduces tighter controls on how media houses operate, including safeguards against the publication of AI-generated misinformation. It also places new responsibilities on broadcasters, such as introducing a mandatory seven-second delay during live transmissions to curb the risk of airing inappropriate or non-compliant material. Additionally, the rules require that betting and gaming content be clearly separated from general news, and that headlines accurately reflect the substance of the story to avoid misleading the public.
Kabogo stressed that these changes are not an overhaul of media freedom, but rather a timely refinement of existing laws meant to uphold accuracy, fairness, and accountability. “This is not a crackdown it’s an update,” he told the committee. “The media landscape has changed. We’re seeing new forms of content, new technologies, and new challenges. Our legal framework has to evolve too.”
However, several MPs raised concerns that the new rules could end up punishing individual journalists unfairly, while media owners who hold editorial control remain largely shielded. Committee Chairperson Robert Gichimu and MP Chepkong’a questioned the practicality of enforcement and fairness in assigning responsibility when breaches occur.
In response, Kabogo explained that the code was not developed unilaterally, but rather through broad-based consultations with stakeholders across the media sector. He referenced Legal Notice No. 88, enacted in May 2025, which officially replaced the Second Schedule of the Media Council Act with a revised and more comprehensive Code of Conduct for Media Practice.
“This is a product of engagement, not imposition,” Kabogo said. “We’ve spoken to editors, reporters, digital content creators, legal experts, and civil society. The aim is not to stifle journalism but to protect its integrity in the face of new threats.”
As Parliament deliberates on the proposed code, the conversation continues to stir debate about the balance between regulation and press freedom in a digital-first world. But Kabogo remains adamant: the future of responsible media depends on proactive, not reactive, policy.
