Speaker Justin Muturi denies existence of bad blood between media and parliament

By STEVE MKAWALE AND ANTHONY GITONGA

NAIVASHA, KENYA: The speaker of the National Assembly Justin Muturi has said that parliament was not against a vibrant media saying there was misunderstanding over the contentious amendments in the Media Bill.

Muturi down played the frosty relationship between parliament and the media saying the two enjoyed a symbiotic relationship.

The Speaker said that the crucial role that the media played in informing the public on issues articulated by the national assembly cannot be overemphasized.

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

He said the oversight role played by the media cannot be ignored saying a vibrant media was key in checking the two levels of government at the national and the county therefore reinforcing the need to embrace each other.

Muturi was categorical that no bad blood existed between the media and the national assembly as many would want to believe.

“Parliament recognizes the crucial role that the media in this country plays and they should be allowed to play their oversight role as long as they report accurately, factually and without sensationalizing issues,” he said.

Muturi singled out the procurement process in the country as one that still needs to be checked to ensure that there was 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.”

The Speaker said for proper management of public funds, there is need to sensitize all County Accounts Committees on Public Financial Management (PFM) to enhance accountability and that it is done within the law.

The Cabinet Secretary National Treasury Henry Rotich urged both national and the county governments to increase transparency in the management of public resources by facilitating information to all the institutions and the public in accordance with the constitution’s requirement that there is public participation on how funds are to be spent.

He asked all the county committees to familiarize themselves with the requirements of PFM warning that any one of them that bridge the same will be sanctioned.

 

He said that the government was committed to strengthening the management of public resources at the two levels of government with emphasis on enhancing cost effectiveness.

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

Others present among others included the Controller of Budget Agnes Odhiambo, Auditor General Edward Ouko chairman of PAC Ababu Namwamba and chairman of County Assemblies Speakers Forum Hon. Dr Nuh Nassir Abdi.