The Media Complaints Commission (MCC) has embarked on efforts to streamline its media complaints handling process.
The Commission recently convened journalists, citizens, and stakeholders in Kilifi County to present its Rules of Procedure and gather public input on its adjudication processes. The forum aimed to clarify the Commission’s mandate while raising awareness of mechanisms for resolving disputes involving journalists, media enterprises, or violations of constitutional press freedoms.
MCC Vice Chair Ms Polly Gathoni, underscored the Commission’s authority as Kenya’s primary body for handling media-related grievances.
“Our mandate extends to addressing any actions against a journalist or media enterprise that limit or interfere with constitutional freedom of expression,” she stated.
Ms Gathoni clarified the distinct roles of the MCC and the Media Council of Kenya (MCK), explaining, “While the MCK advocates for press freedom and issues accreditations, the Commission has the power to direct the MCK to revoke a journalist’s press card if they breach the Code of Conduct.” Addressing jurisdictional boundaries, she added, “The Complaints Commission is the sole body mandated to adjudicate media-related complaints.
The MCK assists with claim registration and information gathering but does not participate in decision-making.” She encouraged journalists to use MCK’s regional offices, noting, “Every Media Council regional office maintains a register for recording claims, and officers are obliged to escalate these to the Commission for resolution.”
The engagement aligns with Kenya’s constitutional emphasis on public participation under Articles 10 (national values) and 118 (public involvement in governance). The Rules of Procedure presented at the forum outline timelines for resolving complaints, protocols for evidence submission, and penalties for non-compliance with rulings.
As Kenya’s media landscape navigates evolving digital challenges, the MCC’s outreach highlights its commitment to balancing press freedom with accountability. “Transparency is central to our work,” Ms Gathoni concluded. “This dialogue ensures Kenyans understand their rights and our role in upholding them.”
The Commission has held similar forums in three other counties this week, inviting journalists, civil society groups, and the public to review the draft Rules.