The Media Complaints Commission (MCC) is strengthening its complaints-handling systems and public engagement ahead of the 2027 General Election, with efficient case management, accessible procedures and greater institutional visibility at the centre of its preparations.
Commissioners and the Secretariat are reviewing operational procedures, pending matters and stakeholder engagement during a three-day working retreat at Stoni Athi Resort in Machakos County from 28 to 30 September.
MCC Vice-Chairperson Ms Polly Gathoni said the retreat was building a shared understanding of Commissioners' roles and strengthening collaboration.
"The essence is to find a way to work together with mutual respect, understand everybody's role in this Commission and see how we can portray ourselves as a formidable team to Kenyans," she said.
She added that the engagement was also enabling the Commission to review outstanding matters and strengthen systems for concluding its business promptly.
The review covers the Commission's operational framework, practice directions and draft Code of Conduct, with attention to clearer procedures, standardised decisions and efficient case management. Discussions have also touched on duty panels, workload and calendar planning, pending determinations, digital case records, virtual hearings, transcription and timely rulings, as well as approaches to majority and minority decisions.
On public participation, the Commission is reviewing provisions in its Rules of Procedure, mapping stakeholders and considering how to make its work easier for different audiences to understand and access. Members also discussed proposals to allow journalists to cover Commission hearings where appropriate.
Institutional visibility featured prominently as well, with members calling for more consistent and timely website content, a more interactive digital presence and a visual identity aligned with the Media Council of Kenya's broader strategic direction.
The retreat is expected to conclude with agreed actions to strengthen the Commission's operational framework, case management and stakeholder engagement as it continues to discharge its mandate.