The Media Council of Kenya (MCK) has formed a technical committee to establish guidelines for the ethical use of Artificial Intelligence (AI), data, and social media in professional journalism.
This move is in response to the rapid technological changes impacting the industry.
The committee, comprising experts from media, technology, academia, and legal fields, will explore the benefits and threats of new technologies, and make recommendations on ethical considerations to improve the quality of journalism.
Meet the team
- Sara Mumbua Nzuki,
- Michael Michie,
- Prof John Walubengo,
- Susan Mute,
- Ellen Wanjiru,
- Carole Kimutai,
- Silas Kiragu,
- Margaret Kalekye,
- Michael Oriedo,
- Dr Gilbert Mugeni,
- Rosemary Mwangi,
- Demus Kiprono,
- Ken Bosire,
- Alexander Masiga,
- Oliver Mathenge,
- Jeremiah Wakaya,
- George Mwamodo,
- Francis Mureithi,
- Alex Mwangi,
- Joel Karanja,
- Oscar Otieno,
- Paul Kaindo,
- Anhosi K’Obonyo,
- Jared Kidambi,
- Lilian Kimeto,
- Antony Laibuta,
- Kenneth Kibet,
- Fridah Naliaka,
- Eric Munene
MCK CEO, David Omwoyo, emphasized the importance of a clear strategy for media capacity building and ethical guidelines.
“Media houses are using AI to maximise on audience segmentation and feedback as the industry finds footing in the fast-changing operating environment.”
“In addition to the utilisation of AI and data in their work, the media have a duty to provide accurate information and coverage on matters data and AI and their implications in the daily lives of Kenyans, their government and other actors.”
The task force will work for three months to develop a Journalists’ Handbook for Reporting Artificial Intelligence and Data, Media Guidelines on the Use of Artificial Intelligence and Data, and Ethical Guidelines on the Use of Social Media and the Internet by Journalists and Media Houses.
