Ms. Atieno explains the mandate of MCK.
The Media Council of Kenya on Thursday, March 3, 2022, conducted an accreditation exercise for members of staff and students from the Department of Media Technology and Applied Communication (MTAC) in the School of Communication and Development Studies
MTAC initiated the accreditation exercise as part of its effort to promote and enhance ethical and professional standards among aspiring journalists and the media practitioners in the School.
Speaking during the accreditation process, Chair of Department, MTAC, Dr. Joan Mutua advised students to take advantage of the exercise to understand the code of conduct for the professionals in the field.
“Make sure you get registered and acquire a press card to be able to access information through participation in conferences, workshops, trainings and other gatherings,” said Dr. Mutua.
Students wait for their press cards as their accreditation details are captured by Ms. Atieno.
The Research and Documentation Assistant at MCK, Ms. Claris Atieno, said, it is important to distinguish oneself as a practitioner especially in the area of journalism and it only happens when one is registered with a professional body.
“Accreditation identifies an individual as belonging to the journalism profession and authorizes them to practice accordingly. Most employers and not just in the media, ask potential employees for their accreditation details anytime they are looking for employees,” Ms. Claris explained.
Caroline Wanjiru, a third-year student at MTAC, while thanking the department for the opportunity said, she’s ready to confidently go for attachment as she is sure, as a registered journalist, she stands a better chance of getting an opportunity as opposed to students who are not accredited.
This is the second time MTAC and MCK have partnered to accredit staff and students at JKUAT.
A section of students keenly follow the proceedings during the accreditation exercise.