The Media Council of Kenya (MCK) has underpinned the vital role journalists play in reporting parliamentary proceedings.
MCK CEO Mr David Omwoyo says journalists reporting on parliamentary issues help in shaping the public discourse on the proceedings of the House.
“The public will not be able to grasp the legislative function of the house without clear and effective reporting,” he said while addressing journalists at the National Assembly’s engagement workshop with the members of the Kenya Parliamentary Journalists’ Association (KPJA).
Mr Omwoyo cautioned the journalists against misreporting created by failure to clearly define various legislative discourses and called for constant training of the journalists to build public trust.
“Reporters have the important responsibility of simplifying intricate legislative processes into simple language, understandable to the public. This enables the media to win trust in public institutions especially during periods of heightened distrust,” he emphasised.
He assured the Council’s support to collaborate with the journalists through training, noting its shared responsibility and commitment to ensure that the reporters help to build trust as one of the pillars of democracy.
He further appreciated the National Assembly for holding the forum, citing the good relationship between the Council and the Clerk’s office.
National Assembly Clerk Mr Samuel Njoroge reiterated the journalist’s responsibility in disseminating factual information.
“We have a responsibility to Kenyans to ensure that the information disseminated is not sensational. Your duty is crucial in enhancing the desired state of social and economic well-being of citizens of this country,” he emphasised.
He called on the journalists to focus on underreported matters in parliament, pointing out the lack of reporting on implementation of resolutions of the House among other issues.
“Your role as parliamentary journalists extends to the implementation of resolutions of the House,” he insisted.
Mr Njoroge noted the challenges posed by technology and asked the journalists to undertake fact checking to alleviate misinformation.
He thanked the media for the partnership between the two institutions committed to nurturing a more meaningful and mutually beneficial collaboration, while promising the provision of a media centre within the parliamentary square.
KPJA Chairman Mr Duncan Khaemba expressed gratitude to the National Assembly for facilitating the training and the Council for continued partnership. He asked for the compilation of all the training materials for future use of other parliamentary reporters.