The Media Council of Kenya (MCK) has introduced QR codes to ensure compliance and ethical and professional standards amongst journalists and media enterprises.
Under this, journalists and media practitioners operating in Kenya will be allowed to use press cards with barcodes and QR codes to know whether those accredited are authentic.
As a result, on Friday, the Council recalled all accreditation cards it had previously issued to journalists.
BREAKING NEWS: .@MediaCouncilK to recall all accreditation cards in a bid to contain fraudsters posing as journalists.
New Press Cards to have additional features including a barcode and QR code that can be scanned using any smartphone. pic.twitter.com/VhRNgfeF4V— Media Council of Kenya (@MediaCouncilK) January 27, 2023
“Following increased incidences of misrepresentation by persons bearing Media Council of Kenya (MCK) accreditation cards and reported cases of forgeries of the cards, effective today, 27 January 2023, all Media Council Press Cards are hereby cancelled and recalled,” MCK CEO David Omwoyo said.
The Council emphasised that all 2023 press cards issued before January 26, 2023, will be allotted at no cost. Journalists in possession of the cards will be required to apply and return the old press cards before being issued the new card.
“New Press Cards to have additional features, including a barcode and QR code that can be scanned using any smartphone,” MCK said in a statement.
“All 2023 Press Cards issued before January 26, 2023, will be allotted afresh at no cost. All those in possession of the cards will be required to apply or renew again and return the old Press Cards before being issued with the new card”- @MediaCouncilK CEO @DavidOmwoyo 3/4 pic.twitter.com/dTtrtv9rco
— Media Council of Kenya (@MediaCouncilK) January 27, 2023
“It has come to our attention that there is an escalation of fraudsters masquerading as journalists and media practitioners who get access to events to extort and harass people,” MCK CEO David Omwoyo said.
“The Council is committed to fostering a conducive working environment for journalists and media practitioners through improved standards and constantly engaging relevant stakeholders to address pertinent issues affecting the sector,” Omwoyo added.
In 2015, the MCK introduced the 0715000111, a mobile system to expose rogue journalists in the media industry.
According to the MCK journalists’ register, active journalists, foreign journalists, and media enterprises working in the country are 2727.
Journalists are required by law to renew press cards annually. Local journalists pay Ksh2000, foreign journalists KSh5000 and students KSh300. To replace a lost press card one pays Ksh300.
