No journalist barred from covering Parliament proceedings: Wetang'ula

National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang'ula on Wednesday confirmed that no journalist has been barred from covering Parliament.

This is after claims emerged that there were plans to bar some journalists from covering the National Assembly following the events of June 25, 2024, when protesters stormed Parliament buildings.

Wetang'ula made the remarks during a meeting between the Parliamentary Service Commission and representatives of the Media Council of Kenya (MCK), the Kenya Union of Journalists (KUJ), and the Kenya Parliamentary Journalists Association (KPJA).

"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," he said in a statement.

However, the Speaker noted that access to the main Parliament building has been restricted owing to the extensive damage that occurred last month.

The restriction was also intended to allow an insurance company access to the extent necessary to assist in replacement and repair.

As part of the resolutions seen by The Eastleigh Voice, a temporary media centre has been set up at the Red Cross and County Buildings where accredited Parliamentary journalists will operate.

However, no specific timelines were mentioned.

The Speaker instructed the clerk to engage all stakeholders to ensure the structure meets the specifications.

It was also agreed that parliamentary committees remain open to the media despite the current restrictions.

The Parliamentary Service Commission announced its commitment to set up an Ultra-Modern Media Center within Parliament Square.

Wetang'ula believes this will make it easier for Parliamentary reporters to carry out their duties successfully.

Going further, the Kenya Parliamentary Journalists Association (KPJA) through its chairman Duncan Khaemba had raised concerns over restricted access to the press gallery.

To demonstrate goodwill, the PSC permitted media access while instructing journalists to closely comply with the established guidelines, including the dress code.

In addition, fresh accreditation of all parliamentary reporters will be conducted to ensure no impostors will be allowed within the buildings.

Currently, there are about 200 journalists accredited to cover parliament.

The exercise will help manage the number of journalists and at the same time allow media houses to 'rotate' their staff as they wish.

Those present in the meeting included Media Council of Kenya (MCK) CEO David Omwoyo, the Kenya Union of Journalists (KUJ) Eric Oduor and the Kenya Parliamentary Journalists Association (KPJA) chairman Duncan Khaemba and its Secretary General Julius Otieno.