The Media Council of Kenya (MCK) has raised an alarm about the increasing cases of individuals seeking accreditation with the council using dubious credentials and academic papers.

In a statement on Friday, January 31, 2025, MCK CEO David Omwoyo observed that the council was stepping up their screening of individuals seeking press cards and accreditation by the regulatory body.

“The Media Council of Kenya (MCK) cautions individuals seeking press cards through deceptive means, including submitting suspect academic certificates and recommendation letters during the accreditation process,” MCK said.

The council equally stated that they were in contact with media stations and learning institutions both in the country and abroad and that all fraudulent applicants would face investigation.

Thorough verification

“The MCK conducts thorough verification of all submitted accreditation requirements, including academic qualifications, in collaboration 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,” MCK noted.

Further, the regulatory body remarked that individuals found culpable of using dubious papers to get accreditation could face up to six months in prison upon conviction or be forced to pay Ksh200,000 for the offence.

“The MCK notifies 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. This section stipulates that any person who knowingly provides false or misleading information to the Council is guilty of an offence and, upon conviction, is liable to a fine not exceeding Ksh200,000, imprisonment for a term not exceeding six months, or both,” MCK stated.

Official letterheads

Further, MCK appealed to all press card applicants that recommendation letters must be submitted on official letterhead and must be signed by authorised persons.

MCK is an independent national institution established by the Media Council Act, No. 20 of 2013 for purposes of setting of media standards and ensuring compliance with those standards as set out in Article 34(5) of the Constitution and for connected purposes.

Among the duties performed by the MCK include the promotion and protection of the freedom and independence of the media, prescription of standards for journalists, media practitioners and media enterprises, advising the government on training requirements in schools and the protection of journalists in the course of their duty.

MCK also establishes standards for the media industry in the country, and regulates and monitors compliance to the set standards.