National Assembly Speaker, the Rt. Hon. (Dr.) Moses Wetang’ula has asked Kenya Broadcasting Corporation (KBC) to consider live broadcasting of National Assembly proceedings via radio to reach more citizens.
Wetang’ula while acknowledging the good work done by the national broadcaster in live streaming proceedings on TV said that radio was the best target for the rural population.
“Access to TV especially in rural areas by people interested in following House proceedings is limited. Radio is a perfect medium for them and KBC should explore these options too,” said the Speaker.
Wetang’ula made the remarks during a meeting with Tom Mshindi, Chairman of the Board of Management (BoM) in KBC, who paid him a courtesy visit at his office in Parliament Buildings.
He pointed out that KBC has contributed to raising the visibility of the House and pledged his support to the State-owned Media House.
Cognizant of KBC’s non-profit status and its dependence on National Treasury funding, the Speaker encouraged the Board of Management to leverage KBC’s substantial assets to generate additional revenue for their programs.
Drawing on his personal experience, Wetang’ula recounted his involvement in hosting a radio program at KBC called “𝐁𝐨𝐨𝐤𝐬 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐁𝐨𝐨𝐤 𝐌𝐞𝐧,” which reviewed works by various authors.
The Speaker urged Mshindi to utilize his extensive expertise in the media industry to revitalize the national broadcaster and enhance its appeal to both listeners and viewers.
In his response, Mshindi noted that KBC would explore the idea of investing in live transmission of proceeding through the radio.
“This is a noble idea and we will ensure that it will be implemented,” said Mr. Mshindi as he thanked the Speaker for the support they got from both Houses of Parliament.
The chairman pointed out that KBC has intentions of expanding its wings by broadcasting proceedings of County Assemblies live on TV too.
“Structures for these ambitious plans are ready awaiting implementation,” he added.
Wetang’ula welcomed the move but advised the management to start by transmitting County Assembly proceedings via radio noting that they don’t have the capacity to do so through TV.
