Muturi denies MPs’ rift with the media

By Steve Mkawale and Anthony Gitonga

National Assembly Speaker Justin Muturi has said Parliament is not against a vibrant media.

He also denied there is frosty relationship between Parliament and the media, saying the two enjoy a symbiotic relationship. He said the crucial role played by the media in informing the public on issues articulated by the august House cannot be overemphasised.

“Parliament recognises the crucial role played by the media in this country. They should be allowed to play their oversight role as long as they report accurately, factually and without sensationalising issues,” he said.

Mr Muturi made the remarks during the official opening of a Public Accounts Committee (PAC) National Conference on Accountability Networking at Enashipai Resort and Spa in Naivasha.

He said there was misunderstanding over the contentious media Bill as a vibrant media is “key in checking the two levels of government”. 

Public accountability

The Speaker singled out the procurement process in the country as one that still needs to be checked to ensure total accountability and efficiency in the management of public funds.

“A lot of government development spending is lost during the procurement process as officers concerned are either corrupt or simply engage in outright theft. This therefore calls for concerted efforts from all the relevant bodies and various accounts committees to ensure that leaders are held individually responsible for any misappropriation,” he said.

Muturi said  there is need to sensitise all County Accounts Committees on Public Financial Management (PFM) to enhance accountability and proper management of public funds.

National Treasury Cabinet Secretary Henry Rotich urged the national and the county governments to increase transparency in the management of public resources by engaging the public in accordance with the Constitution.

He asked all the county committees to familiarise themselves with the requirements of PFM warning that anyone who bridges it will be held responsible.

Cost effectiveness

He said the government is committed to strengthening the management of public resources at the two levels of government to enhance cost effectiveness.

“We are working on modalities of cascading Integrated Financial Management Information System to the county levels to enhance accountability and transparency,” he said.

Present were Controller of Budget Agnes Odhiambo, Auditor General Edward Ouko, Parliamentary Accounts Committee chair Ababu Namwamba and County Assemblies Speakers Forum chair Dr Nuh Nassir Abdi.