The Media Council of Kenya (MCK) has encouraged journalists and other media practitioners who are interested in politics to consider vying for elective positions in the upcoming 2027 General Election.

In a statement released on Friday, 29 May, the council noted that media professionals, just like individuals from other sectors such as law, engineering, and medicine, have the competence and capability to serve in leadership roles at national and county levels.

However, MCK emphasised that journalists occupy a unique and sensitive position in society because they influence public opinion through control of media platforms, airwaves, and news narratives.

Due to this influence, the council said stricter standards and specialised protocols are necessary to prevent conflicts of interest and ensure fairness in the political space.To manage this, MCK announced that it is developing comprehensive guidelines on media conduct and reporting for the 2027 General Election.

These guidelines will include clear resignation timelines requiring journalists who intend to run for office to leave active newsroom roles within set deadlines.

They will also introduce on-air suspension rules, meaning that once a journalist declares political ambition, they must immediately stop anchoring, reporting, or hosting programmes.Additionally, media houses will be required to maintain balanced coverage and avoid giving former journalists unfair advantage during campaigns.

The council also plans to roll out a Special Governance Support Programme to help media practitioners transition into politics with proper leadership and policy training.Journalists interested in contesting have been asked to formally register their intentions with MCK through its official communication channels.

The council further indicated that it will hold a validation workshop with editorial leaders within 14 days to refine the proposed protocols, with final guidelines expected to be gazetted within 30 days.Several well-known journalists have already expressed interest in joining politics ahead of 2027.