New Code bans ‘mganga’, other occult adverts from Kenyan media

Those loud adverts by the so-called magicians promising their prospective clients instant riches, getting back lost lovers, and untraceable miracles are officially off the air.

The 2025 Code of Conduct for Media Practice, unveiled on Thursday, has banned such advertising from all media platforms in Kenya.

The new Code--presented by the Media Council of Kenya (MCK) in partnership with the Ministry of Information, Communications and the Digital Economy--was submitted to the National Assembly’s Committee on Delegated Legislation for consideration.

Alongside the crackdown on mganga and/or witchdoctor ads, the revised Code introduces a wide range of measures to clean up and modernise the country’s media space.

Among the key changes are captured hereunder.

A complete ban on advertising of witchcraft, occult services, lotteries, and unregulated betting.

A mandatory seven-second delay for live broadcasts, to allow editors to filter harmful, inciteful, or sensitive content.

Journalists must now obtain parental consent before covering stories involving minors, and avoid identifying children in stories related to crime or abuse.

Sexually suggestive content is banned during the watershed period (typically 5am to 10pm).

Stricter privacy rules now govern coverage of victims of sexual violence, grieving families, and vulnerable persons.

Digital media practitioners are now required to verify sources, label sponsored content, and clearly inform subjects when recordings are made.

Reporting that could promote hate speech, ethnic incitement, or religious intolerance is explicitly prohibited.

Cabinet Secretary for Information William Kabogo said the Code puts the public first and aims to restore trust in the media.

“The Code addresses the protection of children and outlines clear ethical standards. Journalists must do better--for the public, for the profession, and for the truth,” said Mr Kabogo.

MCK CEO David Omwoyo added that the Code adapts journalism to the digital era, where misinformation spreads fast and content creators blur the lines between entertainment and reporting.

“It’s about raising the bar for everyone with an audience — whether they’re on TV, on a blog, or live on TikTok,” Mr Omwoyo said.

On his part, MCK Manager of Regulatory Affairs Terrence Minishi said the reforms were informed by court rulings and growing concern over exploitative and harmful content targeting children.

“This Code is timely. It responds to issues raised by parents, educators and the public on what our children and communities are exposed to daily,” Mr Minishi said.

The National Assembly is expected to approve the new Code soon, paving the way for full enforcement and bringing to an end the era of media airtime being sold to magicians.