MCK Accredits JKUAT Media Students - Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology

*Ms. Maryann Gitau (left) assists students during the accreditation and approval exercise.*

The Department of Media Technology and Applied Communication (MTAC), under the College of Human Resource Development (COHRED), in collaboration with the Media Council of Kenya (MCK), conducted a student accreditation exercise on April 7, 2024.

The exercise aimed to provide eligible journalism and media students with official press cards, enabling them to gain practical experience through internships and professional assignments. It also served as a platform to familiarize students with media industry standards, ethics, and regulatory frameworks as outlined by the Media Council of Kenya

Speaking during the event, Chair of the Department of Media Technology and Applied Communication (MTAC), Ms. Lilian Mwangi, highlighted the department’s long-standing collaboration with the Media Council of Kenya (MCK), underscoring the value of student accreditation.

“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.

*Department Chair, Ms. Lilian Mwangi, addressing students during the Media Council of Kenya (MCK) visit.*

She further noted that accreditation enhances students’ credibility by ensuring their work is recognized as professional and ethical. This recognition, she said, increases their reliability in the eyes of sources and potential employers especially as they prepare for internships.

Ms. Maryann Gitau, Senior Officer for Accreditation and Compliance at the Media Council of Kenya (MCK), took students through the Council’s core functions and outlined the expected code of conduct for accredited media professionals.

“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,” Mrs. Gitau explained.

Faith Maku, a third-year, Bachelor of Journalism student, praised the initiative, noting that the streamlined process had saved students both time and money.

“Unlike previous years, this time the approval and press card issuance were done instantly, eliminating the need to travel to MCK’s headquarters,” Maku said.

Approximately 100 students from the Bachelor’s programs in Mass Communication, Journalism, and Corporate Communication and Management successfully participated in the accreditation exercise.