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Journalists covering proceedings in Parliament need to embrace self-regulation and uphold the highest ethical standards in their reporting, National Assembly Clerk Samuel Njoroge has said.

The media plays an important role in informing the public about parliamentary activities, and accuracy, fairness, and professionalism is crucial, Njoroge told a gathering of National Assembly staff and representatives of the Kenya Parliamentary Journalists Association in Mombasa.

“We urge you to self-regulate as journalists accredited to cover Parliament. Ensure your reporting is fair, responsible, and accurate,” he said.

He warned against misleading coverage, urging journalists to adopt practices that promote self-correction to safeguard public trust.

Njoroge highlighted the importance of verifying information, avoiding sensationalism, and maintaining impartiality as essential principles for fostering accountability in Parliament’s work.

He reassured journalists that proposed House broadcasting rules and procedures seek to promote responsible reporting rather than restrict media freedoms.

“These rules are not intended to gag the media but to ensure responsible and professional reporting of parliamentary proceedings and committee activities,” he said.

To enhance the capacity of journalists, Njoroge underscored the need for ongoing training and workshops to deepen their understanding of parliamentary processes.