The Parliamentary Service Commission Committee on Information and Public Communication and the National Assembly Committee on Parliamentary Broadcasting and Library on Thursday, September 26, 2024 met to explore strategies for increasing public engagement in parliamentary proceedings through broadcasting.

The meeting, co-chaired by Chairperson Commission Committee on Information, and Public Communication, Hon. Mishi Mboko (Likoni) and Chairperson, Committee on Parliamentary Broadcasting and Library, Hon. Daniel Nanok (Turkana West) acknowledged the critical role of parliamentary broadcasting in promoting transparency, accountability, and civic participation.

Members discussed the challenges and opportunities presented by the existing broadcasting infrastructure and explored cost-effective solutions to improve public access and understanding of parliamentary debates.

The Committees reflected on the history of the Parliamentary Broadcasting Unit (PBU), which was established in 2008 to facilitate access to parliamentary proceedings and demystify parliamentary business by linking voters with their elected representatives.  

The PBU initially broadcasted parliamentary sessions on radio and television for the National Assembly. In 2009, its capabilities were enhanced with equipment donated by USAID, and in 2012, a studio was inaugurated by the former president, the late Mwai Kibaki. This milestone was made possible by the partnership between PSC and the Kenya Broadcasting Corporation (KBC).

During the meeting, the leaders recognized the need to modernize the broadcasting equipment to ensure high-quality broadcasts as well as establish dedicated parliamentary radio stations to further bring Parliament closer to the people.

The Members of both Committees committed to strengthening their collaboration to realize the dream of a state-of-the-art broadcasting infrastructure with technology that will significantly enhance coverage and advance the Commission’s vision for a democratic and people-centered Parliament.