Transmit live house proceedings through radio, Speaker Wetang’ula urges KBC

𝐖𝐞𝐝𝐧𝐞𝐬𝐝𝐚𝐲, 𝟏𝟕𝐭𝐡 𝐀𝐩𝐫𝐢𝐥, 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟒
𝐏𝐚𝐫𝐥𝐢𝐚𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭 𝐁𝐮𝐢𝐥𝐝𝐢𝐧𝐠𝐬 

National Assembly Speaker, the Rt. Hon. (Dr.) Moses Wetang'ula has asked KBC to consider live broadcasting of National Assembly proceedings via radio to reach more citizens.

Hon. 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.

Hon. Wetang'ula made the remarks during a meeting with Mr. Tom Mshindi, Chairman of the Board of Management (BoM) of the Kenya Broadcasting Corporation (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 that the Board of Management should leverage KBC's substantial assets to generate additional revenue for their programs.

Drawing his personal experience, Hon. 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 Mr. 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, Mr. Mshindi noted that they 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 intends to expand 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 do not have the capacity to do so through TV.