Media Council to recall press cards over increase of fraudsters who pose as journalists

The Media Council of Kenya (MCK) has said it will recall all press cards issued recently in a bid to tame rising cases of fraudsters posing as journalists.

In a statement, MCK said the new cards will contain additional security features.

“Media Council of Kenya to recall all accreditation cards in a bid to contain fraudsters posing as journalists.

“New Press Cards to have additional features including a barcode and QR code that can be scanned using any smartphone,” the council said.

The new move attracted reactions from media practitioners.

Dan Wako on Facebook wrote: “This is a good move but with those new features let press cards be issued to only trained journalists with certificates, diplomas, or degrees from recognized institutions.

“The media houses should be pushed to employ trained people to avoid the media practitioners’ press cards, hawa practitioners ni wakora wengine. Otherwise, I agree with MCK on this move.”

While Mùoki @muokimoss on Twitter wrote: “Press cards are not the solution. Conduct sting operations and arrest the culprits. We know them very well and you too know them.”

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