Wetang'ula meets media stakeholders after uproar over ban on journalists

National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang'ula on Wednesday underscored the critical role of the media in ensuring effective parliamentary work and public accountability.

He said the Parliamentary Service Commission met with representatives from different media associations to discuss strengthening their partnership.

"The Media is an integral stakeholder in facilitating effective delivery of Parliamentary work and in informing the public while ensuring National values on transparency and accountability are achieved," Wetang'ula said.

 "The Constitution of Kenya 2010 through articles 34, 35 and 118 cements the role of the media, and cognizant to this fact."

The speaker made the remarks after the Parliamentary Service Commission engaged representatives from the Media Council of Kenya (MCK), the Kenya Union of Journalists (KUJ) and the Kenya Parliamentary Journalists Association (KPJA).

A section of Journalists on Tuesday raised complaints that there were plans to lock them out of Parliament over their 'Occupy Parliament' protest.

Wetang'ula said their Wednesday meeting sought to review the situation and assure the media of a continued cordial partnership in ensuring that factual and timely information is relayed to the public.

Wetang'ula emphasized its commitment to a continued cordial partnership with the media to ensure factual and timely information reaches the public.

He announced plans to establish an Ultra-Modern Media Center within Parliament Square under his leadership.

"The PSC through my stewardship has committed to establishing an Ultra-Modern Media Center within the Parliament Square to help facilitate Parliamentary Reporters to effectively deliver their mandate," he said.

He assured the Media industry that the two Houses of Parliament will re-look into the existing media legislation to realign them with the current trends coupled with the advent of technology.