Parliamentary Service Commission Suspends Media Operations at Current Center Amidst ‘Occupy Parliament’ Protest Fallout
By Leila Jackson
In a recent development, the Parliamentary Service Commission (PSC) has indefinitely suspended journalists’ access to the existing media center at the precincts of Parliament. This decision follows the intense media coverage of the ‘Occupy Parliament’ demonstrations on June 25, during which protesters breached Parliament’s premises.
National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang’ula addressed the media following discussions between the PSC, representatives from the Media Council of Kenya (MCK), the Kenya Union of Journalists (KUJ), and the Kenya Parliamentary Journalists Association (KPJA). Wetang’ula explained that the suspension aims to review the current situation and ensure a continued positive relationship between Parliament and the media.
“The media is a crucial stakeholder in facilitating the effective delivery of Parliamentary work and ensuring national values of transparency and accountability are maintained,” Wetang’ula said.
The decision comes in response to concerns raised by journalists on Tuesday about potential plans to exclude them from Parliament due to their coverage of the protests. In light of this, Wetang’ula announced plans for the establishment of an Ultra-Modern Media Center within Parliament Square.
“The PSC, under my leadership, is committed to setting up an Ultra-Modern Media Center to better support Parliamentary reporters in fulfilling their duties,” he stated.
Until the new media center is constructed, the media operations will temporarily move to the Red Cross and County Hall buildings, although no specific timeline for the completion of the new center has been provided.
The suspension has raised concerns among media freedom advocates, who worry that this move could signal an attempt to restrict independent journalism. Media freedom and the right to information are considered fundamental to a democratic society, and there is hope that this transition will lead to meaningful improvements rather than attempts to curtail press freedom.
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