How to Apply for Journalism Student/Intern Accreditation in Kenya

In Kenya, aspiring journalists must undergo an accreditation process before embarking on their internships or industrial attachments. The accreditation from the Media Council of Kenya (MCK) provides recognition and facilitates access to industry events, training, and media resources, which are vital for professional growth. This accreditation also ensures that students and interns are aligned with industry standards and are protected while performing journalistic duties. The process for accreditation is accessible both online and in person, with clear guidelines on eligibility, required documentation, and fees.

Understanding how to properly apply for this accreditation is essential for journalism students who wish to pursue a career in the media industry. This guide outlines the steps for accreditation, including the online application procedure, required documentation, and the fees involved.

For students in Kenya, being accredited by MCK is a vital step toward achieving professional recognition in journalism. Through the accreditation process, students gain access to key industry opportunities, making it a must for those looking to pursue a successful career in media.

How to Apply for Accreditation Online

The Media Council of Kenya (MCK) offers a convenient online portal for students and interns to apply for accreditation. To start the process, you will need to visit the MCK website and navigate to the accreditation section. Here’s a breakdown of the steps involved:

1. Visit the MCK Website: Go to the Media Council of Kenya’s official website and scroll to the bottom of the page where you will find the accreditation icon. Click on this icon to proceed to the accreditation portal.
2. Register as a New Journalist: Upon entering the portal, click the “Journalist” tab and select “Register (New Journalist Only).” This will take you to the registration page.
3. Submit Personal Information: On the registration page, enter your personal information, including your full name, email address, phone number, gender, date of birth, and passport photo. Make sure all the details are accurate, then click the “Submit” button.
4. Verify Your Email Address: After submitting your details, you will receive a verification link in your email inbox. Click on this link to verify your registration and complete the process.
5. Login to the Portal: Once your email is verified, log back into the accreditation portal using your email address and the password you created during registration. This will lead you to your profile page.
6. Apply for Accreditation: Now, click on the “Membership Request” tab and select “New Application” to start the accreditation process. You will need to specify that you are applying as a student or intern.
7. Complete the Application Form: Fill in the required fields and submit your application. Once submitted, your application will be marked as “Pending Approval.”
8. Wait for Approval: MCK usually processes applications within two days. Once your application is approved, you will receive a confirmation email indicating that your application status has changed to “Pending Payment.”
9. Make Payment: After receiving the approval, proceed to make the payment via M-Pesa as directed by the portal. Once the payment is made, you will receive a PDF version of your Press Card in your MCK account.
10. Collect Your Press Card: A physical copy of the Press Card can be collected from the MCK offices in Nairobi after presenting a valid identification document.

In-Person Application for Accreditation

For students who prefer to apply in person, the process is equally straightforward. Here’s what you need to do:

1. Visit MCK Offices: Head to the Media Council of Kenya’s head office located at Britam Center, Upper Hill, Nairobi. The office is open for accreditation applications during working hours.
2. Complete the Application Form: At the MCK office, you will be provided with an accreditation application form. Alternatively, you can download the form from the MCK website.
3. Submit Required Documents: Along with the application form, attach the necessary documents, including a letter from your training institution confirming your internship, a valid student ID, and a passport-size photo.
4. Pay the Accreditation Fees: Once your application is ready, pay the required Ksh 300 fee at the office. Ensure you obtain a receipt for the payment.
5. Processing of Your Application: After submitting the form and payment, the MCK team will begin processing your application. This process typically takes about seven days.
6. Collect Your Press Card: Upon successful completion of the accreditation process, MCK will notify you to collect your accreditation card in person. Remember to bring a valid ID for verification when collecting the card.

Eligibility and Required Documents

To be eligible for accreditation, you must be enrolled in an accredited journalism program in a Kenyan university or college. Typically, accreditation is offered to students in their final year of study or those who are about to begin their internship.

Documents Required:

• A letter from your training institution confirming that you are about to undertake an internship.
• A valid student ID.
• A clear passport-size digital photo.

Fees and Validity

The accreditation fee is Ksh 300, which is a one-time payment. Once you complete the application and make the payment, your accreditation is valid for one year. After one year, you will need to renew your accreditation by following the same process.

Benefits of Accreditation

Accreditation from MCK comes with several key benefits:

1. Professional Recognition: It allows students to be recognized as official journalists during their internships.
2. Access to Resources: Accredited students can participate in workshops, conferences, and other media-related events that enhance their skills and networks.
3. Rights Protection: Accreditation ensures that students are legally recognized in the media industry, providing them with protection under the Code of Conduct for journalists in Kenya.

Conclusion

Accrediting as a journalism student or intern in Kenya is a straightforward process that can be completed either online or in person. With the support of the Media Council of Kenya, students gain access to industry opportunities and protection as they embark on their career in journalism. By following the outlined steps, you can successfully apply for accreditation and begin your journey toward becoming a professional journalist in Kenya.

External Links

• Guidelines
• Code of Conduct
• Media Council Act
• Proposed Subscription And Accreditation Fees
• The Media Practitioners’ Codes of Conduct

Others

• Pursuant to sections 4, 6(h), 23(c) and 46 of the Media Council Act no 46 of 2013, the Media Council of Kenya undertakes Annual Accreditation of journalists practicing in Kenya for purposes of compiling and maintaining a register of journalists, media practitioners, media enterprises and media training institutions in Kenya.
• One of its main aims is to improve professionalism among journalists as it ensures that all accredited journalists have the right skills to carry out their duties in a professional manner as accorded to by the Code of Conduct for the Practice of Journalism in Kenya. It also fulfills the Council’s mandate to compile and maintain a register of journalists, media practitioners, media enterprises and such other related registers.