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Code of Ethics

Code of Ethics

CITYNEWS adheres to the highest ethical standards in journalism. This policy applies to all employees, contractors, and contributors.

Core Principles

  • Truth and accuracy: We verify information before publication and correct errors promptly
  • Independence: We report without fear or favor, free from political or commercial influence
  • Fairness: We seek to represent all sides of a story and allow subjects to respond to allegations
  • Accountability: We take responsibility for our reporting and its impact
  • Minimizing harm: We balance the public’s right to know against potential harm to vulnerable individuals

No Pay-for-Coverage Policy

CITYNEWS does not accept payment, gifts, or favors in exchange for news coverage. Any offer of payment for coverage is refused and reported to the editor. Sponsored content is accepted only when explicitly labeled as advertising and produced by a separate team with no editorial input.

Conflicts of Interest

CITYNEWS journalists:

  • May not cover stories where they have a personal, financial, or family interest
  • May not accept gifts worth more than nominal value (under $20 USD or equivalent in KES) from sources or potential sources
  • May not hold elected office or active political campaign roles while employed as news journalists
  • Disclose any secondary employment or freelance work to their editor

Treatment of Sources

CITYNEWS honors all agreements regarding source anonymity but pushes for on-the-record attribution whenever possible. Sources promised anonymity:

  • Are identified to at least one editor, even if not to readers
  • Are not granted anonymity for personal attacks, unsubstantiated claims, or vendettas
  • Have their actual identity protected in our internal records with access limited to the reporting journalist and the editor

Protection of Vulnerable Individuals

CITYNEWS exercises particular care when reporting on:

  • Minors (under 18): Names are withheld unless the minor is a public figure or the story involves a significant public interest that outweighs privacy concerns
  • Victims of sexual assault: Names and identifying information are withheld unless the victim explicitly consents and is legally an adult
  • Crime victims: Identifying information is only published when relevant to the public interest and not gratuitous
  • Individuals in crisis: Reporting on suicide, mental health crises, or trauma includes referral to support resources and avoids sensational details

Undercover and Deceptive Reporting

CITYNEWS does not use hidden cameras, recording devices, or deceptive identification except in cases where:

  • The story involves a significant public interest that cannot be obtained through any other means
  • The deception is disclosed to readers in the final story
  • The material obtained is verified through other sources

All undercover reporting must receive prior written approval from the editor.

Separation of News and Opinion

CITYNEWS clearly distinguishes news reporting from opinion content:

  • News articles: Objective reporting of facts, events, and statements. No first-person pronouns. No advocacy or editorializing
  • Opinion/Editorial: Clearly labeled “OPINION” or “EDITORIAL.” Written by identified authors. Published in a separate section
  • Analysis: Labeled “ANALYSIS.” Provides interpretation of facts with transparency about the author’s perspective

Payments to Sources

CITYNEWS does not pay sources for interviews, documents, or access except in rare circumstances where the information is of unique public importance and cannot be obtained otherwise. Any payment to a source requires editor approval and is disclosed in the published article.

Social Media Guidelines for Staff

CITYNEWS journalists on personal social media accounts:

  • Do not state or imply they speak for CITYNEWS unless authorized
  • Avoid expressing political opinions that would undermine their perceived objectivity
  • Do not delete or alter posts after publishing without a correction notice
  • Identify themselves as CITYNEWS journalists when discussing topics they cover professionally

Reporting on CITYNEWS Itself

When CITYNEWS is the subject of news coverage (legal actions, internal controversies, ownership changes):

  • Reporting is handled by journalists who were not involved in the underlying event
  • The story is edited by a senior editor with no direct involvement in the matter
  • If independent reporting is not possible, CITYNEWS publishes a disclosure explaining why and refers readers to external coverage when available

Whistleblower Protection

CITYNEWS maintains a secure, anonymous reporting channel for employees to report ethical violations without fear of retaliation: ethics@citynews.co.ke

Last updated: May 11, 2026