MCK Tightens Rules on Live Coverage Amid Rise in Inflammatory Statements

The Media Council of Kenya has directed all media houses to strictly enforce a mandatory seven-second delay on all live broadcasts, warning that broadcasters will bear full responsibility for any content aired on their platforms.

In an advisory issued on Tuesday, March 24, the regulator said the directive applies across all media platforms, without exception, to curb the spread of harmful and unlawful content.

The council raised concern over an increase in inflammatory statements, misinformation and manipulated content being disseminated through live broadcasts, particularly during coverage of public rallies.

“The Media Council of Kenya has noted an increase in inflammatory statements, misinformation and manipulated media content broadcast through media platforms. This includes unchecked live broadcasts of public rallies, which breach the Code of Conduct for Media Practice in Kenya,” the advisory reads.