The Media Council of Kenya (MCK) has extended the application deadline for its September–November 2026 Media Industrial Attachment Programme, giving eligible students more time to submit their applications.
The three-month programme is designed to give students practical experience in the media industry before graduation. Successful applicants will be placed in recognised media and communication organisations across Kenya.
The September–November 2026 cohort is scheduled to run from September 1 to November 30, 2026.
Who is eligible for the MCK industrial attachment programme?
The programme is primarily targeting final-year students pursuing relevant journalism and communication courses at recognised universities and colleges.
Eligible students include those pursuing:
- Journalism
- Media Studies
- Communications
- Digital Communication
- Corporate Communication
Students should be in their final phase of training and require industrial attachment as part of their academic requirements.
MCK’s student accreditation information also indicates that student press cards are issued to students proceeding for industrial attachment, including fourth-year undergraduate students and third-year diploma students.
What areas can students be placed in?
Successful applicants may be placed in recognised media and communication outlets across different areas of specialisation.
These include:
1. Print
Students interested in newspapers, magazines and other print media can gain practical experience in areas such as reporting, writing, editing and newsroom operations.
2. Radio and Television
Students interested in broadcasting can gain experience in radio and television production, reporting, presentation and other broadcast-related roles.
3. Technical and Production
Students interested in the technical side of media can gain hands-on experience in production and other technical operations.
4. Digital Content Creation
Students interested in digital media can gain experience in online journalism, social media, multimedia production and digital content creation.
Requirements for the MCK attachment programme
Students applying for the programme should prepare the required documents before submitting their applications.
The requirements include:
1. Recommendation letter from the university or college
The letter should be issued by the student’s institution and clearly indicate the period during which the student requires the industrial attachment. MCK’s previous attachment calls specify that the recommendation letter should have been issued within the last two months.
2. Current academic transcripts
Applicants should provide their academic transcripts for the current academic year.
3. Valid student identification card
Students must provide a valid student ID from their university or college.
4. Valid MCK Student Press Card
Applicants for the current cohort are expected to have a valid 2026 MCK Student Press Card. Previous MCK attachment calls have also required the card as part of the application documents.
5. Sample of journalistic work
Applicants should also prepare samples of work they have produced. These may include published articles, online content, school projects or other relevant journalistic work.
Students are therefore encouraged to prepare their strongest work before submitting their applications.
How to apply for the MCK industrial attachment programme
Students who meet the eligibility requirements can apply through the MCK online application portal.
Applicants should:
- Prepare their recommendation letter.
- Obtain their current academic transcripts.
- Prepare a copy of their valid student ID.
- Ensure they have a valid 2026 MCK Student Press Card.
- Prepare samples of their journalistic or academic work.
- Submit the required documents through the MCK application portal.
- Ensure the application is submitted before the extended deadline.
The current application link being circulated by MCK partners is https://bit.ly/4yxSzol.
Students should verify the application details before submitting and should avoid paying anyone who claims they can guarantee selection.
When is the new deadline?
The application deadline for the September–November 2026 cohort has been extended to Friday, August 14, 2026.
This gives eligible students who had not completed their applications additional time to submit their documents.
Students should apply as early as possible rather than waiting until the final hours.
Where could successful students be placed?
MCK runs the programme in partnership with recognised media houses and communication outlets.
Successful students may therefore get practical exposure in different parts of Kenya, depending on available placements and their areas of specialisation.
The programme is intended to help students bridge the gap between classroom learning and the demands of the professional media environment. MCK has previously described its industrial attachment initiative as an important way of preparing young media professionals for the workplace.
Why students should consider the MCK programme
Industrial attachment can be an important step for students preparing to enter the media industry.
Apart from gaining practical experience, students can use the opportunity to:
- Build professional networks
- Develop newsroom and production skills
- Improve their portfolios
- Learn from experienced media professionals
- Understand professional media ethics
- Gain confidence in a real working environment
- Strengthen their CVs before graduation
MCK has previously encouraged students undertaking its programmes to use their attachment period to build professional networks and demonstrate discipline, integrity and professionalism.
Important warning to applicants
Students should be careful about individuals claiming to represent MCK or promising to secure them a placement in exchange for money.
The Media Council of Kenya states that it does not solicit payments or recruit through agents or agencies.
Students should therefore use official MCK communication channels and the designated application process.
Final word
The MCK September–November 2026 Industrial Attachment Programme offers eligible journalism and communication students an opportunity to gain practical experience before completing their studies.
With the deadline extended to August 14, 2026, eligible students who have not yet applied should prepare their documents and submit their applications as soon as possible.
For students hoping to build careers in journalism, broadcasting, digital media or communications, the programme could provide valuable industry exposure and professional connections.
Don’t wait until the deadline — get your documents ready and apply.
Quick summary
Programme: MCK Media Industrial Attachment Programme
Cohort: September–November 2026
Duration: September 1–November 30, 2026
Eligible students: Final-year students pursuing Journalism, Media Studies, Communications, Digital Communication or Corporate Communication
Placement areas: Print, Radio/TV, Technical/Production and Digital Content Creation
Deadline: August 14, 2026
Application: MCK online application portal
Important: MCK does not charge students for applications and does not recruit through agents.
