The Communications Authority of Kenya (CA), the regulatory agency for the ICT industry in Kenya, is set to spearhead a media landscape refresh. This follows Kenya’s new programming code taking effect.
The reviewed Programming Code was arrived at through a public consultation process. On the 8th of March 2024, the new programming code was gazetted. Based on the Kenya Information and Communications Act, 1998 (as amended), the CA is the body mandated with enforcing compliance.
Crucially, renewal of media licenses by the CA will be pegged on compliance to the new guidelines.
Kenya’s ever-changing broadcasting landscape called for a refresh of the Programming Code. The update sets clear content guidelines for both free and subscription services, applying to all broadcasters. To further support these regulations, industry-specific Broadcasting Sector Guidelines will be developed. Last year, a court directed the regulator to review the Programming Code for Broadcasting Services in Kenya.
New Programming Code Highlights
The new code has set out new directives for all media outlets in the country. New rules for election coverage state that media companies must offer consistent pricing for airtime purchased by politicians and candidates.
“All broadcasts of election propaganda shall be identified through the words “paid for by” followed by the name of the candidate, and political party for whom the propaganda is being broadcast. Broadcasters shall ensure that political messages do not contain attacks on individuals, their families, ethnic background, race, religion or their associations,” reads part of the programming code.
The same spirit is maintained in regard to religious broadcast. CA new guidelines encourage religious programming to foster understanding and respect between different faiths. They prohibit the airing of content that attacks, insults, harasses, or ridicules other religions or their followers.
To prioritize victim safety, live broadcasts of ongoing hostage situations, hijackings, and kidnappings will be restricted. The identities of victims in ongoing crimes or crises will be withheld until the situation is resolved or authorities officially release their names. Similarly, the names of fatalities will only be announced after their next of kin are notified or authorities release their names.
To help consumers identify real news, new guidelines prohibit using phrases like “News Flash” before advertisements. Additionally, the ban on advertising tobacco products has been expanded to protect public health.
