This Editorial Policy defines the professional standards and ethical guidelines for Kenya Regional News (KRN). It ensures that our coverage of local, county, and national developments remains accurate, fair, and independent.
1. Mission and Core Purpose
- Local Focus: KRN delivers real-time updates on regional and grassroots developments across Kenya’s 47 counties.
- Civic Engagement: We seek to amplify diverse public perspectives and inform citizens to promote community growth.
- Public Interest: Our platform prioritizes reporting that impacts the daily lives, economies, and wellbeing of regional communities.
2. Accuracy and Verification
- Fact-Checking: Journalists must thoroughly cross-check information with verifiable sources before publication.
- No Rumours: Rumours or unverified social media claims must not be published as factual news.
- Source Protection: We protect confidential sources under Article 34 of the Constitution of Kenya.
- Correction Process: If a factual error is discovered, KRN will correct it promptly and transparently append a correction note to the article.
3. Independence and Fairness
- Commercial Separation: Editorial content is chosen for its news value, never to appease advertisers or commercial partners.
- Political Neutrality: KRN remains independent of any political party, candidate, or faction.
- Sponsored Content: All paid advertisements, advertorials, and sponsored features must be clearly labelled.
- Separation of Formats: Hard news reports must remain strictly objective, keeping opinion pieces clearly distinct and designated.
4. Legal Compliance and Ethical Safety
- Regulatory Compliance: KRN abides by the Code of Conduct for the Practice of Journalism in Kenya regulated by the Media Council of Kenya.
- Defamation: Content must avoid unsubstantiated claims that could unfairly damage individual or corporate reputations.
- Hate Speech: We strictly bar content inciting ethnic, religious, or political animosity or discrimination.
- Protection of Minors: We respect privacy and do not identify minors or victims of sexual offenses.
5. Content Categories and Scope
| Content Type | Guidelines |
| Regional News | Focuses on county government actions, grassroots issues, agriculture, and local infrastructure. |
| National Impact | Analyzes how national policies affect local Kenyan economies and demographics. |
| Features & Reviews | Evaluates local institutions, such as educational or health facilities, using clear criteria. |
| Opinion Columns | Reflects diverse guest opinions and includes brief bios outlining author affiliations. |
6. Editorial Governance
- Final Authority: The Editor-in-Chief holds final responsibility for all published materials on the domain.
- Conflict of Interest: Staff must declare any personal, financial, or political ties that might affect their objectivity.
- Policy Review: This policy is subject to review to adapt to changing legal and digital media environments in Kenya.