NAIROBI, Kenya, Oct 09 – Capital Group’s Online Editor Jeremiah Wakaya is among professionals enjoined in a technical committee set up by the Media Council of Kenya (MCK) to develop media guidelines on the use of Artificial Intelligence (AI), data and social media to ensure appropriate and ethical integration for their use in professional journalism in Kenya.
MCK Chief Executive Officer David Omwoyo says the move is in response to rapid changes in technology.
“The Council acknowledges the huge leaps in technology including the advent of Artificial Intelligence, machine learning and automation, which have allowed for breakthrough insights and applications that may truly change the world forever. Media content gathering, production and dissemination have changed and altered dynamics,” he said.
The membership of the technical team is drawn from media, technology, academia and legal fields.
According to the terms of reference issued by MCK, the team will be expected to recommend ethical considerations aimed at improving the quality of journalism, integrating the use of data in journalism while at the same time offering professional ways of eliminating harmful content from the media.
“In addition to the utilisation of AI and data in their work, the media have a duty to provide accurate information and coverage on matters data and AI and their implications in the daily lives of Kenyans, their government and other actors,” Omwoyo stated.
The MCK CEO explained that the team will be in place for the next three months.
It has been tasked with developing the following documents; A Journalists’ Handbook for Reporting Artificial Intelligence and Data; Media Guidelines on the Use of Artificial Intelligence and Data; Ethical Guidelines on the Use of Social Media and the Internet by Journalists and Media Houses.
The media Industry Working Group on Establishing Media Guidelines for Utilisation of AI and Data comprises: Sara Mumbua Nzuki, Michael Michie, Prof John Walubengo, Susan Mute, Ellen Wanjiru, Carole Kimutai, Silas Kiragu, Margaret Kalekye, Michael Oriedo, Dr Gilbert Mugeni, Rosemary Mwangi, Demus Kiprono, Ken Bosire, Alexander Masiga, Oliver Mathenge, Jeremiah Wakaya, George Mwamodo, Francis Mureithi, Alex Mwangi, Joel Karanja, Oscar Otieno, Paul Kaindo, Anhosi K’Obonyo, Jared Kidambi, Lilian Kimeto, Antony Laibuta, Kenneth Kibet, Fridah Naliaka and Eric Munene.
