The Communications Authority Director General Ezra Chiloba has laid down new rules that all broadcasters must adhere to, more so when it comes to resignation of journalists.
In a statement dated Tuesday, February 1, Chiloba directed that all journalists seeking elective posts should tender their resignations by April 9, 2022.
He further directed that all journalists involved in campaign activities should either be sent on leave for the entire election period or have their contracts terminated.
"If a person working on programmes for a station becomes a candidate or is employed or retained in any capacity by a political aspirant or a political party, he/she shall go on leave for the duration of the election period or his employment may be terminated by the station.
"Therefore, the authority requires broadcasting licensees to ensure to ensure that aspiring candidates associated with or employed by their stations take the required leave of office by April 9, 2022 as gazetted by the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC)," read the statement in part.
The media houses were also asked to ensure that their news reports are objective, provide fair coverage and filter out fake news.
They were also directed to desist from broadcasting any material with sufficient reason to doubt its accuracy and authenticity.
"Guard against transmission of fake news or misleading information during the electioneering period.
"Part IV (22) of the Broadcasting Regulations requires that you ensure that broadcasts from your station are based on fact and are not founded on opinion, rumour supposition or allegation and that you adhere strictly to your professional standards," added the statement.
There are more than 50 TV channels and 100 Radio stations across the country.
The directives come after some media houses such as Royal Media Services (RMS) already ordered their staff running for elective office to tender their resignations.
In a memo signed by Group Managing Director Wachira Waruru, RMS ordered staff members to hand in their resignation letters by March 1, 2022.
The memo that was seen by Kenyans.co.ke on Thursday, January 20, 2022, stated that this was in line with the company's policy and implored staff members to adhere to it.
"In line with the company's culture and practice, any employee wishing to contest in any elective position must tender his/her resignation from employment before 1st March 2022.
"If you need any further clarification on this matter, consult your Head of Department or the Human Resources Office," the memo stated.
