Lawmakers Commit to Leveraging Social Media Platforms for Enhanced Public Engagement
The initiative aims to bridge the gap between lawmakers and the public, offering opportunities for citizens to contribute to the legislative process.
Members of Kenya's National Assembly Liaison Committee have pledged to harness the power of social media to improve public engagement and ensure that citizens remain well-informed about the legislative process.. Photo/ Parliament of Kenya.
Members of Kenya’s National Assembly Liaison Committee have pledged to harness the power of social media to improve public engagement and ensure that citizens remain well-informed about the legislative process.
Led by Deputy Speaker Hon. Gladys Boss, the committee acknowledged the critical role of the media in disseminating information and committed to aligning their efforts with the Constitution of Kenya, which guarantees access to information.
During a meeting, Committee Chairs met with Dr. David Omwoyo, the CEO of the Media Council, who gave a thought-provoking presentation on the importance of maintaining media standards for accurate and effective reporting of parliamentary activities.
Omwoyo emphasized that proper communication with the media is key to fostering an informed public, something that legislators are keen to support.
Deputy Speaker Boss echoed this sentiment, stressing the significance of upholding journalistic standards for precise and thorough coverage of parliamentary proceedings.
“As the National Assembly, we always strive to ensure that the media has access to documents and information that are necessary for factual reporting,” said Hon. Boss.
The focus on transparency and accountability reflects the committee’s commitment to providing timely and accurate information to the public.
Further discussions focused on the use of National Assembly social media platforms to engage with citizens.
Lawmakers agreed to actively utilize these platforms, as well as their personal accounts, to share updates on legislative matters, including the progress of bills and the work of various House Committees.
The initiative aims to bridge the gap between lawmakers and the public, offering opportunities for citizens to contribute to the legislative process.
In addition, members of the committee discussed the role of parliamentary diplomacy. Chaired by Hon. Nelson Koech, the session reaffirmed the importance of parliamentary diplomacy in advancing Kenya’s national interests on the global stage.
Unlike traditional diplomacy, which is often led by the executive, parliamentary diplomacy allows lawmakers to engage informally yet effectively on international issues.
Deputy Speaker Boss highlighted the need for a structured approach to parliamentary diplomacy to ensure consistent and impactful global engagements.
“Parliamentary diplomacy allows us to reinforce Kenya’s voice on critical global issues while fostering stronger international partnerships,” said Boss. She emphasized that these engagements must align with Kenya’s priorities and contribute to national development.
As lawmakers continue to leverage modern communication tools and enhance their global presence, the National Assembly is set to play a significant role in shaping Kenya’s future.
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