How to apply for accreditation as a journalist in Kenya

Pursuant to sections 4, 6(h), 23(c) and 46 of the Media Council Act no 46 of 2013, the Media Council of Kenya undertakes Annual Accreditation of journalists practicing in Kenya for purposes of compiling and maintaining a register of journalists, media practitioners, media enterprises and media training institutions in Kenya. apply for accreditation as a journalist in Kenya
One of its main aims is to improve professionalism among journalists as it ensures that all accredited journalists have the right skills to carry out their duties in a professional manner as accorded to by the Code of Conduct for the Practice of Journalism in Kenya. It also fulfills the Council’s mandate to compile and maintain a register of journalists, media practitioners, media enterprises and such other related registers.

Apply In-Person

1. To apply for accreditation as a journalist, the applicant has to contact the Media Council of Kenya offices in person.
2. The applicant has to make sure he or she has all the required documents that are required for this process to be successful and it can be found under the “Required Documents” section of this page or at Media Council of Kenya Website page.
3. Submit all the required documents at the Media Council Of Kenya Offices and pay the required fees for processing to begin.
4. On Completion of this process, the applicant will receive confirmation immediately once all the necessary documents and fees are submitted.
5. Accreditation will be completed after a period of seven days.
6. The applicant will be contacted to collect the accreditation ID in person.
7. The applicant will be required to produce proof of identity while collection his accreditation.,

Benefits of Accreditation
1. Helps in professionalization in journalism.
2. It helps journalists to access information by allowing participation in conferences, workshops, trainings and other gatherings.
3. It enhances the protection of the rights and privileges of journalists in the performance of their duties.

Eligibility for Accreditation
The following cadre of people are eligible for accreditation;

• Journalists working in media enterprises
• Freelance journalists
• Foreign Journalist
• Students pursuing media, journalism and communication studies
• Public Relations Practitioners
• Advertising Companies
• Media Trainers

The Accreditation Requirements
The following are the requirements for accreditation;
i. Local Journalists/Media Practitioners

All journalists accrediting for the first time with the Media Council of Kenya MUST provide the following requirements for vetting before proceeding with the accreditation process.

• A letter from the employer
• Professional Certificate (ORIGINAL) that is either a Degree of Diploma in Communication from a recognised training institution
• Portfolio of work done either in Print or Broadcast ( Please provide the work not website links)
• A clear passport size digital photograph

ii. Freelance Journalists

• A reference letter from an organization that publishes your work
• Professional Certificate that is either a Degree of Diploma in Communication from a recognised training institution
• Portfolio of work done either in Print or Broadcast ( Please provide the work not website links)
• A clear passport size digital photograph

iii. Foreign Journalists
All foreign Journalists are required to provide the following;

• A letter from the employer
• Professional Certificate that is either a Degree of Diploma in Communication from a recognised training institution
• Portfolio of work done either in Print or Broadcast ( Please provide the work not website links)
• A clear passport size digital photograph
• Valid Work permit
• Passport

iv.Students
Students studying in accredited colleges and Universities are eligible for accreditation. This will be issued once satisfaction has been made that the student is in their final phase of their training and is proceeding for industrial attachment.

• A letter from training institution indicating that the student is to go for internship
• Valid Student ID
• A clear passport size digital photograph

Note:
Student press cards will ONLY be issued to students going for internship, 4th year Undergraduate students and 3rd year Diploma students.

Card Replacement:
Lost press cards will only be replaced upon production of a police abstract and letter from the employer stating the loss. The card replacement fee is Ksh 300.

Accreditation Fees

• Local Journalist: Ksh 2,000
• Foreign Journalist: Ksh 10,000
• Foreign Journalist (Short Term – 3 Months): Ksh 5,000
• Student: Ksh 300

Privacy of Accreditation Information
Once a journalist is accredited, they agree to disclosure of their accreditation status including when they were accredited, the organization they work for and their academic qualification.

 Click Here for information regarding  registration of Media Houses.

 Click Here to Download Accreditation Form.

  Click Here to Download the Media House Registration Form.

 Click Here to Download the Accreditation Guidelines 2014 Notice.

INSPECTION AND ACCREDITATION OF MEDIA TRAINING INSTITUTIONS

Under section 6(1) (f) of the Act, the Media Council of Kenya is required to set standards in consultation with the relevant training institutions, for professional education and training of journalists.  Section 6(1) (n) provides that the Council subject to any other written law considers and approves applications for accreditation by educational institutions that seek to offer courses in journalism.

In view of this, the Media Council of Kenya will inspect and accredit all middle level colleges offering diploma in journalism and media studies in Kenya.This exercise will seek to establish whether the institutions conform to the set standards. The Council, jointly with the Ministry of Education, has developed the college vetting criteria informed by the international best practices in the journalism profession.

The Council expects the colleges to possess the following relevant documents for inspection purposes: 

1. Registration details
2. Location
3. List and qualification of key personnel and lecturers
4. Inventory of facilities and equipment related to training

Office Locations & Contacts

Media Council of Kenya
P.O. Box 43132, Nairobi, Kenya.
Ground Floor, Britam Centre, Mara/Ragati Road Junction, Upper Hill
Nairobi 00100 – Kenya
Tel :+254 727 735252, +254 702 558233, +254 702 558234,+254 702 558453
MCK Website
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