National Assembly Speaker Rt. Hon. (Dr.) Moses Wetang’ula has called on journalists covering parliamentary affairs to uphold professionalism, accuracy, and impartiality in their reporting during a meeting with officials of the Kenya Parliamentary Journalists Association (KPJA) led by their chairman, Moses Aliwa.

Addressing the journalists, Speaker Wetang’ula reflected on his extensive experience in Parliament since 1992, noting that he had worked with prominent journalists, including the late Oloo Orina, Otieno Makanyingo, and Heyman Omari.

He highlighted the evolution of Parliament from a time when it operated largely as an extension of the State House to an institution with greater independence and robust democratic processes.

The Speaker reminded journalists of their “cardinal role” to set the agenda, inform the public freely, fairly, and with factual accuracy, while also providing a right of response to those being reported on.

“Parliament is not in an adversarial relationship with media houses. I want to encourage you to be faithful to facts. You cannot call yourself a parliamentary journalist if you cannot appreciate what Parliament does,” he said.

Dr. Wetang’ula urged reporters to familiarize themselves with Parliament’s Standing Orders and the Constitution, emphasizing that knowledge of the institution enhances reporting and professional credibility.

As the KPJA patron, he pledged to support journalists in expanding their intellectual horizons, marketability, and professionalism.

He further encouraged journalists to avoid “witch-hunts” and instead focus on informing the nation accurately, advising MPs where necessary, and reporting strong words without exaggeration.

On infrastructure improvements, Speaker Wetang’ula said plans are underway to establish a modern, state-of-the-art media center and a fully-fledged parliamentary broadcast unit, independent from KBC, to improve coverage of parliamentary proceedings.

He also acknowledged challenges faced by vernacular journalists, citing limited space in Parliament, but promised that the new media center would offer equitable opportunities to all reporters.

Speaker Wetang’ula cautioned against malicious reporting by some parliamentary scribes that could endanger lawmakers, staffs and parliamentary proceedings, citing last year’s Gen Z protests where one scribe’s actions almost compromised MPs’ safety.

He urged journalists to protect Parliament’s image, report factual information, and analyze bills responsibly before disseminating information to the public.

“Criticize as much as you want, but always be factual,” he said, pledging to collaborate with journalists to foster the institution and enhance public understanding of Parliament’s work.

Clerk of the National Assembly, Mr. Samuel Njoroge, lauded journalists as key partners in parliamentary transparency.

“Journalists are partners in ensuring Parliament functions transparently. We are committed to making their work easier and more efficient, and we will work with you to better our institution,” said Clerk Njoroge.

KPJA Chairman Moses Aliwa pledged continued collaboration with Parliament.

“We are committed to working closely with Parliament to ensure accurate, fair, and responsible reporting of its activities,” he added.