JKUAT Hosts Fifth Annual Media Accreditation Drive.
The Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology (JKUAT), through the Department of Media Technology and Applied Communication (MTAC), in partnership with the Media Council of Kenya (MCK), successfully hosted its fifth annual accreditation drive for communication students on April 29, 2026.
The exercise, themed “Seize the Opportunity,” brought together aspiring media practitioners seeking professional accreditation and exposure to industry standards. A total of 92 communication students were accredited during the event, marking another milestone in the long-standing collaboration between JKUAT and the Media Council of Kenya in preparing students for the evolving media landscape.
The accreditation drive was chaired by the Head of Department, Dr. John Wandaga, who emphasized the department’s dedication to nurturing competent and industry-ready graduates. He noted that the initiative reflects the university’s broader vision of bridging the gap between academic training and professional practice.
“We envision a student body that is well equipped for the industry,” Dr. Wandaga stated, underscoring the importance of early professional recognition for communication students.
The event also featured insightful engagements from media professionals and university staff who encouraged students to take advantage of accreditation opportunities.
Mr. Eliezer Muchiri Namu, a Tutorial Fellow in the department and the event organizer, highlighted the significance of Media Council accreditation in shaping students’ professional journeys.
“MCK accreditation gives you great leverage in the industry and also provides the footing for professional recognition as a student,” he remarked.
The accreditation exercise was facilitated by a team from the Media Council of Kenya led by Ms. Maryanne Gitau, Senior Officer, Accreditation and Compliance.
Addressing the students, Ms. Maryanne Gitau encouraged them to embrace accreditation as an important step toward professional growth and industry exposure. She noted that accredited students stand to benefit from opportunities such as internships and attachments that help build practical media experience.
Ms. Gitau also highlighted the Media Council of Kenya’s role in promoting ethical journalism, supporting media training, advising on media matters, and safeguarding press freedom and professionalism within the industry.
Students actively participated in the interactive session, engaging council representatives on matters relating to accreditation, career opportunities, and the media industry. and its benefits.
As part of the ongoing partnership between MCK and institutions of higher learning, the council confirmed that eight students had already secured attachment placements in various media houses for the May–July 2026 cohort. This development reflects the growing impact of the accreditation program in connecting students with practical industry opportunities before graduation.
To qualify for accreditation, students were required to submit passport photos, a valid student identification card, a recommendation letter from their school, and a registration fee of KSh 350. Students applying for press cards were also guided through the online application process, which included creating secure accounts, activating profiles through email verification, and submitting membership requests through the council’s portal.
The successful accreditation drive reaffirmed the strong partnership between JKUAT and the Media Council of Kenya in empowering future communicators with professional grounding, ethical awareness, and industry exposure. Through such initiatives, JKUAT continues to strengthen its commitment to producing highly skilled graduates ready to contribute meaningfully to Kenya’s dynamic media and communication sector.
