Parliament has affirmed its unwavering support for members of the fourth estate covering the institution, recognizing their crucial role in keeping the public informed.
The pledge was made by the National Assembly clerk Samuel Njoroge in remarks made on his behalf by the deputy clerk Serah Kioko during the opening session of training for the Kenya Parliamentary Journalists Association members at the Kenya School of Government, Lower Kabete.
The training focused on Parliamentary Procedures, the Budget Making Process and the Parliamentary Scrutiny of Statutory Instruments bringing together 25 participants drawn from various media houses that are accredited to cover Parliament.
Noting that the training on the Budget Making Process is apt coming just after the Budget Policy Statement was tabled in the House on Thursday, Kioko commended journalists for their watchdog role in matters of public interest, emphasizing the media's pivotal function in disseminating information about legislative activities.
"The media has a key role in disseminating information about our activities as the Legislature. You are the bolt that perfectly brings together the two joints - Parliament and the people it represents," stated Kioko
She further lauded the journalists for their commendable work in keeping Kenyans informed about parliamentary business.
Kioko also underscored the desire of the National Assembly to facilitate them to upscale their understanding of Parliamentary Business so that they can become dependable partners in the cause of educating the public on the Affairs of the August House.
The training retreat, organized by Parliament’s premier training institution- the Centre for Parliamentary Studies (CPST) and facilitated by the National Assembly, aims to enhance KPJA members' understanding of parliamentary business.
The two-day program also covers the law-making process, ethics, how to derive stories from Parliamentary Committee reports, and other pertinent topics.
The initiative stems from an engagement between the National Assembly leadership and Editors in September 2023, where Parliament was urged to enhance the capacity of its members.
The commitment to respond to journalists' needs was reiterated during the meeting also attended by Media Relations Officers.
"The training demonstrates our desire and passion at the National Assembly to facilitate you towards upscaling your understanding of Parliamentary Business. We shall have more such engagements and also ensure your rights are safeguarded," assured the Clerk.
Emphasizing the House's commitment to supporting journalists in their duty, Kioko encouraged them to delve deep, sift through information, and ensure accurate reporting.
"You should count on our support as you go about your duty. You have a solemn role bestowed on you; to go beyond the surface, dig in, dig out, sieve through, comb out, and ensure accurate reporting," said the Clerk.
