The Media Council of Kenya (MCK) has notified security officers that smartphones are recognised as media equipments and that journalists are allowed to use them in public events.
Through a statement, MCK CEO David Omwoyo said that due to advancement in technology, mobile phones and smartphones are considered mechanisms that can be used professionally as part of media practice.
“The Council has noted some disputes between a section of security officers and leaders on the use of these gadgets to record and transmit news from public events and wishes to clarify that mobile or smart phones, while in use by professional trained and accredited journalists and media practitioners should be allowed when needed,” he said.
“With the advancement in technology, mobiles phones are now being used to not only take photos and videos but also to record voice clips and undertake live broadcasting including live links by the media,” he added.
The clarification comes after a Nation media journalist was assaulted by security officers attached by Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua’s wife, Dorcas Gachagua.
The journalist was using his mobile phone to record a food distribution event by Dorcas at the chief’s camp in the Greystone area.
Despite the journalist showing his work badge to the officers, they continued to harass him saying he was not allowed to record the event on his phone.
Omwoyo further advised media institutions to escalate the inclusion of the use of smart phones as tools for journalistic practices in their training curricula as a matter of priority.
Additionally, he urged media practitioners to adhere to the Code of Conduct for the practice of journalism while executing their duties, particularly the clause that prohibits the use of hidden cameras or recorders unless there is no other way to access news.
