Kenya Media Council Implements 7-Second Delay for Live Broadcasts

The Media Council of Kenya (MCK) has directed all media organizations to implement a mandatory seven-second delay for live broadcasts, addressing rising concerns about inflammatory content and misinformation.
In an advisory published Tuesday, March 24, 2026, in Nairobi, the Council stated the measure intends to prevent the unintentional broadcast of harmful or unethical material, specifically during live coverage of public events like political rallies. The directive is based on Clause 11 of Kenya’s Media Practice Code of Conduct, which mandates broadcasters to establish safeguards against content contravening established media standards.
The Council reported a significant increase in unmoderated live broadcasts featuring inflammatory remarks, false information, and hate speech. Such content, they observed, compromises responsible journalism and threatens to incite public unrest if broadcast without proper review.
The MCK underscored that while freedom of expression forms a fundamental aspect of Kenya’s democratic system, it must be balanced with responsibility and accountability. The regulator encouraged media professionals to maintain ethical standards supporting journalism serving public interest and national unity.
The advisory further explained that while media organizations are not liable for statements made at public events, they become legally accountable when such content is aired. Consequently, broadcasters must implement preventive editorial actions, including delayed transmission, to remove offensive or illegal content before audience exposure.
Media stations have also been warned against disseminating material that could intensify emotions or heighten conflicts. When hate speech is broadcast for public interest purposes, the Council instructed that inappropriate language must be edited out.
The MCK reaffirmed its dedication to fostering responsible journalism, calling upon all parties to adhere to the directive to protect the quality of Kenya’s media environment.