The National Assembly has challenged media houses to train a particular cadre of parliamentary journalists to build their competencies in reporting legislative processes.
National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetangula said that some journalists have misreported the process of legislation by failing to distinguish between a law, motion, or bill, among other terminologies used in parliament.
Speaking during a National Assembly Leadership and Editors Retreat in Mombasa, Wetangula said the Parliament is ready to set aside a budget and do cost sharing with respective media houses to give the journalists training on parliamentary reporting.
“We have had some instances where an honorable member that posed a question during parliamentary session is reported to have proposed a bill. I encourage you to have some specialized training whereby there will be a tailored course to give some refreshments to journalists who are seconded to the Parliament by their media houses so that when the public is informed there is no risk of misinformation,” he said.
Further, he informed the media that the parliament will ensure that there is no compromise to the rights of journalists while carrying out their duties.
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He said the house will be on hand to defend the freedom of the media and is open to inquiries from journalists looking for information for their news stories.
“We urge journalists to practice etiquette while doing their work. In any event that you are unsure about certain information, seek clarification from the clerk so that you share what is correct to the public in terms of legislation,” he said.
Additionally, he said that plans are underway for the setting up of a media center at the Parliament precincts that is fully equipped to aid journalists in their work.
He urged journalists to be unbiased and keep fidelity to facts and the law despite their political affiliations but give everyone an equal space in the media.
On his part, Chairman Communication, Information and Innovation Committee John Kiarie said that Parliament is ready to collaborate with the media as the leadership understands the essence of communication.
Kiarie said Parliament also has a role in ensuring that it communicates in a style that is comprehensible to people from all walks of life.
“I agree there is need for classical skills to journalists reporting in Parliament to be informed to avoid doing de-service,” he said.
