On 18^th January 2024, Meru University of Science and Technology was delighted to host representatives from the Media Council of Kenya (MCK) Meru Town Bureau, for a significant event comprising of a career talk and the accreditation of media students. This engagement marked a crucial step in nurturing the future journalists of our nation.

The Media Council of Kenya is an independent national institution, mandated by the Media Council Act, No. 20 of 2013. It operates with the objective of establishing and enforcing media standards, ensuring compliance and upholding the principles articulated in Article 34(5) of the Constitution. The MCK’s core functions include Academy, Accreditation, Adjudication, Advocacy, Analysis and Advisory.

During the enlightening career talk, media students from the first to the fourth year were led by their representatives. Key advice was imparted to equip them for success in the competitive job market. The students were urged to cultivate a diverse skill set, create exemplary CVs, manage their online presence responsibly and approach attachments with a sense of responsibility, maximizing the skills acquired.

Moreover, students were encouraged to go beyond the boarders of classroom learning, to venture into activities such as vlogging, blogging and article writing to enhance their practical knowledge and marketability. In addition, being updated on current local and global issues was highlighted as imperative, aligning with the expectations of most media houses.

The conversation prominently featured accreditation with important reasons brought to the forefront. Not only does it contribute to the professionalization of journalism, but it also facilitates access to information through participation in conferences, workshops and training sessions. Furthermore, accreditation serves as a shield, safeguarding the rights and privileges of journalists during the discharge of their duties.

The event was graced by Media Studies lecturers led by Dr. Beatrice Owiti (Chair of the Media Studies Department), Dr. Zack Chiliswa (Director, International Liaison) and Mildred Mwendwa. The Media Council of Kenya Meru Town Bureau officials present included Kennedy Mumbai, Evans Kiogora and Walter Mutanya, enhancing the significance of this collaborative endeavor.

This interaction between academia and industry professionals portrays the commitment to fostering a generation of media practitioners well-equipped with both theoretical knowledge and practical insights, ready to make meaningful contributions to the field.