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{
    "id": 463720,
    "url": "https://info.mzalendo.com/api/v0.1/hansard/entries/463720/?format=api",
    "text_counter": 285,
    "type": "speech",
    "speaker_name": "Hon. Langat",
    "speaker_title": "",
    "speaker": {
        "id": 384,
        "legal_name": "Benjamin Kipkirui Langat",
        "slug": "benjamin-langat"
    },
    "content": "Therefore, I would really want to know, for example, if the interests of the stakeholders will be catered for. I agree that we want independence, but how will you get the interest catered for?. Stakeholders must also be consulted. Hon. Temporary Deputy Speaker, I also want to say that freedom of media is something which we need to defend. This Bill should provide for freedom of the media; however, it should not allow irresponsible reporting by the media. In fact, we need to say yes, you are given all the freedom to say what you want to say, as long as you are willing to take responsibility for what you say. We need to put serious caveats around it, so that irresponsible media owners and journalists are not given all the power to say what they want. But in the event they knowingly report things that are not correct, then serious consequences should be visited on them, so that we protect Kenyans. This is because many Kenyans have also suffered because of wrong or irresponsible media reporting. Hon. Temporary Deputy Speaker, I want to support the Bill, but I really would expect the Committee to bring serious and radical amendments to give it the independence which is being talked about. In fact, appointment should not be left to one person. It should not be like a one man show. We need to make it more objectively done. Kenyans should feel that those who are qualified--- I have looked at the qualifications for those who will be appointed and I am okay with them. But why should we have an exception? Are we saying that we are targeting somebody who is not a degree holder? If we really hould go for degree holders, then let us go for a first degree holders. If we want to say that we want somebody with a degree then we should really come down and say “somebody with a diploma and above”. Let us set that minimum criterion. But do not say “the general requirement is first degree” and then say “Somebody can be appointed if he can show that he had a good career.” We are giving room for corruption. We need to set standards which must be followed. I do not want to say much; I want to urge hon. Members to support the Bill, but the Committee should introduce radical amendment to make this a good Bill. Thank you, very much. I beg to support."
}