Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology (JKUAT), through its Department of Media Technology and Applied Communication (MTAC) under the College of Human Resource Development (COHRED), conducted a student accreditation exercise in partnership with the Media Council of Kenya (MCK) on April 7, 2024. The initiative marked a key step in professionalizing media training by providing journalism and media students with official press cards.
The accreditation aims to enable students to access real-world media environments through internships, coverage of press briefings, and other professional assignments, in line with the Media Council of Kenya’s mandate to uphold journalism standards and ethics. According to the Media Council Act 2013, MCK is the official body tasked with accrediting media practitioners and overseeing the maintenance of industry standards in Kenya.
During the exercise held at the university’s Juja campus, approximately 100 students drawn from Bachelor of Mass Communication, Journalism, and Corporate Communication and Management programs received accreditation. This was to ensure their eligibility to participate in media activities as recognized professionals-in-training.
Speaking at the event, Ms. Lilian Mwangi, Chair of the MTAC department, emphasized the longstanding partnership between the department and MCK. “MCK has been instrumental in sponsoring events, facilitating internships, and providing training opportunities. Today’s accreditation equips our students with the necessary qualifications to participate in press events, briefings, and real-world media experiences, giving them direct industry exposure,” said Ms. Mwangi.
She noted that the press cards enhance students’ credibility and professional standing as they prepare to enter the job market. “The recognition ensures that their work is taken seriously and helps build trust with sources and prospective employers,” she added.
Ms. Maryann Gitau, Senior Officer for Accreditation and Compliance at MCK, took students through the organization’s functions and the expectations placed upon accredited media personnel. “The Media Council of Kenya operates under six key pillars: Accreditation, Academy, Adjudication, Analysis, Advisory, and Advocacy. Today, we focus on accreditation, which distinguishes you as professional media practitioners,” Gitau explained.
The accreditation not only legitimizes student engagement in journalism but also fosters awareness of media ethics and accountability. The press card allows students to access restricted press areas and conduct field assignments in adherence to national and institutional media policies.
Faith Maku, a third-year Journalism student, appreciated the convenience of the process. “Unlike previous years, this time the approval and press card issuance were done instantly, eliminating the need to travel to MCK’s headquarters,” she said.
The Media Council of Kenya has increasingly emphasized student accreditation, citing it as a key strategy to instill ethical values, professional conduct, and preparedness for a fast-evolving media landscape. According to the MCK Accreditation Survey Report 2024, early exposure to regulatory standards enhances career prospects and instills accountability among future journalists.
Source: JKUAT News
