Journalists who declare political ambitions will be required to formally notify the Council, resign from newsroom duties within set timelines and immediately stop all on-air appearances to avoid conflict of interest during the campaign period.
Under the proposed framework, the Media Council of Kenya (MCK) has unveiled sweeping rules that will govern how journalists transition from the newsroom into elective politics ahead of the 2027 General Election, signalling growing concern over the rising wave of media personalities seeking public office.
The move comes as prominent television and radio personalities increasingly position themselves for parliamentary, senatorial and gubernatorial races, raising fresh debate about media neutrality, influence and ethical boundaries during elections.
In a statement issued on Friday, the Council said journalists hold unique power in shaping public opinion and therefore require stricter oversight once they enter active politics.
“Journalists hold a distinct responsibility because they influence public opinion through news coverage and editorial content,” MCK stated.
The regulator said the framework seeks “to balance democratic participation with the need to uphold journalistic integrity and electoral fairness.”
The Council warned that without clear safeguards, media practitioners seeking office could undermine public trust in journalism and tilt the electoral playing field because of their access to audiences and established public visibility.
“This distinct power necessitates a higher standard of scrutiny and specialised protocols to prevent conflicts of interest and ensure a level playing field for all political contestants,” the statement added.
The new framework marks one of the strongest attempts yet by the media regulator to manage the growing intersection between journalism and politics in Kenya, where news anchors, talk show hosts, and reporters have increasingly emerged as influential political figures.
Over the years, several journalists have successfully crossed into politics, leveraging their public appeal and media visibility to build political careers. Former journalists who later joined politics include former Gatanga MP Peter Kenneth, former Starehe MP Margaret Wanjiru and former Nairobi Woman Representative Rachel Shebesh, among others.
Ahead of the 2027 elections, the trend appears to be accelerating.
Citizen TV journalist Trevor Ombija has already declared his interest in the Nyakach parliamentary seat in Kisumu County, while media personality Willis Raburu is seeking the Kisumu Senate seat through the Linda Mwananchi movement associated with ODM.
Stephen Letoo has also been linked to the Kilgoris parliamentary race, while Tina Ogal is eyeing the Embakasi East seat after recently joining ODM.
Others associated with possible bids include Michael Njenga in Kabete and radio presenter Alex Mwakideu, who has been linked to the Kilifi gubernatorial race. Swahili news anchor Lulu Hassan has also been mentioned in connection with the Mvita parliamentary seat, although she has dismissed claims of an active campaign.
Political analysts say the growing attraction of journalists to politics reflects the changing nature of Kenya’s electoral landscape, where popularity, communication skills and digital influence increasingly shape campaigns.
The Council said journalists intending to contest seats in 2027 will also be required to formally register their political ambitions through its official communication channels.
According to MCK, the registration process is aimed at enhancing accountability and ensuring ethical standards are maintained throughout the transition period.
“The registration process is intended to enhance transparency and ensure that ethical standards are maintained throughout the transition period,” the Council said.
MCK further announced plans to establish a Special Governance Support Programme to equip journalists entering politics with leadership, governance and policy skills.
“To support this transition, the MCK is designing a Special Governance Support Programme to equip media professionals with the leadership and policy tools needed to run effective, impactful political campaigns,” the statement added.
At the same time, the Council directed media houses to ensure balanced political coverage and avoid giving former journalists an unfair advantage because of their previous visibility on television, radio and digital platforms.
“Media houses have also been directed to ensure fair and balanced coverage of all candidates to avoid giving former journalists undue advantage due to prior platforms,” the Council stated.
The regulator said it is finalising comprehensive guidelines on media conduct and election reporting ahead of the 2027 polls. Editors and newsroom leaders are expected to validate the guidelines within the next two weeks before they are formally gazetted within 30 days.
The announcement is likely to trigger wider debate within the media industry over whether journalists can effectively separate their professional influence from political ambitions, especially during highly contested elections.
MCK maintained that the framework is intended to protect the credibility of journalism while safeguarding the democratic rights of media practitioners seeking public office.
“The framework is intended to ensure fairness in the electoral process while maintaining clear separation between journalism and active political participation,” the Council said.
