LIVE BROADCAST OF PARLIAMENTARY PROCEEDINGS AND ITS IMPACT ON

THE LEGISLATIVE OVERSIGHT ROLE OF THE SENATE OF KENYA

OTIATO WASHINGTONE ANDAYI

A RESEARCH PROJECT SUBMITTED TO THE SCHOOL OF JOURNALISM AND

MASS COMMUNICATION IN PARTIAL FULFILLMENT OF THE REQUIREMENTS

FOR THE AWARD OF DEGREE OF MASTER OF ARTS IN COMMUNICATION

STUDIES, UNIVERSITY OF NAIROBI

2020
 DECLARATION

This research project is my original work and has not been submitted in any other University for

a Degree Award.

Signature……………… date……………………

Otiato Washingtone Andayi

Admission Number: K50/82706/15

This research project is being submitted for examination with my approval from as the

University Supervisor

Signature……………… date……………………

Prof. Ndeti Ndati

School of Journalism and Mass Communication

University of Nairobi

ii
 DEDICATION

This study is dedicated to the Parliamentary Broadcasting Unit and National Broadcaster; KBC

which has enabled live broadcasting of Parliamentary proceedings to be successful and the

Senators who work tirelessly in ensuring that they provide legislative oversight to the other two

arms of Government: Executive and Judiciary.

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 ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

I acknowledge my supervisor Prof. Ndeti Ndati and the faculty at the School of Journalism and

Mass Communication. I wish to thank my wife Mrs. Priscillah Lovega Nyachaki Otiato for her

encouragement and support as I pursued this course. I give thanks and glory to God for giving

me the strength and wisdom to complete this work.

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 TABLE OF CONTENTS
DECLARATION........................................................................................................................... ii
DEDICATION.............................................................................................................................. iii
ACKNOWLEDGEMENT ........................................................................................................... iv
ABBREVIATIONS AND ACRONYMS ................................................................................... vii
ABSTRACT ................................................................................................................................ viii
CHAPTER ONE: INTRODUCTION ......................................................................................... 1
1.0 Overview .......................................................................................................................... 1
1.1 Background of the Study .................................................................................................. 1
1.1.1 Senate of Kenya......................................................................................................... 1
1.1.2 Live Broadcast of Parliamentary Proceedings ......................................................... 2
1.1.3 Situational Analysis of Live Broadcast of Senate Proceedings ................................ 4
1.2 Statement of the Problem ................................................................................................. 7
1.3 Objectives of the Study .................................................................................................... 8
1.4 Research Questions .......................................................................................................... 9
1.5 Justification of the Study .................................................................................................. 9
1.6 Scope and Limitations of the Study ............................................................................... 10
1.7 Delimitations of the Study.............................................................................................. 10
1.8 Operational Definition of Terms .................................................................................... 10
CHAPTER TWO: LITERATURE REVIEW .......................................................................... 12
2.0 Overview ........................................................................................................................ 12
2.1 The Influence of Live Broadcast of Parliamentary Proceedings on Audiences’
Perceptions and Attitudes .......................................................................................................... 12
2.2 Legislative Oversight role of the Senate ........................................................................ 15
2.3 Influence of live broadcast of the parliamentary proceedings on the execution of the
legislative oversight by the Senators ......................................................................................... 15
2.4 Impact of live broadcast of parliamentary proceedings on the public knowledge of the
legislative oversight role of the Senate ..................................................................................... 17
2.5 Theoretical Framework .................................................................................................. 22
2.5.1 Gate Keeping Theory .................................................................................................... 22
2.5.2 Agenda Setting Theory ............................................................................................ 23
2.5.3 Media System Dependency Theory ......................................................................... 24
2.6 Conceptual framework ................................................................................................... 25
CHAPTER THREE: RESEARCH METHODOLOGY ......................................................... 26
3.0 Overview ........................................................................................................................ 26
3.1 Research Design ............................................................................................................. 26
3.2 Study Area ...................................................................................................................... 26
3.4 Research Approach ........................................................................................................ 27
3.5 Target Population ........................................................................................................... 27
3.6 Sample Size and Sampling Procedure ............................................................................ 28
3.6.1 Sample Size ............................................................................................................. 28
3.6.2 Sampling Procedure................................................................................................ 28
3.7 Data Collection Procedures ............................................................................................ 29
3.8 Pilot Testing ................................................................................................................... 30
3.9 Reliability and Validity of Research Instruments .......................................................... 30
3.10 Data Analysis and Presentation .................................................................................. 30

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 3.11 Ethical Considerations ................................................................................................ 31
CHAPTER FOUR: FINDINGS AND DISCUSSIONS ........................................................... 32
4.1 Overview ........................................................................................................................ 32
4.2 Response Rate ................................................................................................................ 32
4.3 Knowledge of live broadcasting of parliamentary proceedings ..................................... 32
4.3.1 Influence of live broadcast on respondents’ knowledge ......................................... 33
4.3.2 Influence of live broadcast on levels of knowledge about Senate and its work ...... 34
4.4 Influence of live broadcast of the parliamentary proceedings on the execution of the
legislative oversight................................................................................................................... 34
4.4.1 Satisfaction with the performance of the Senate ..................................................... 35
4.5 Influence of live broadcast of parliamentary proceedings on audiences’ perceptions and
attitudes on roles of Senators .................................................................................................... 38
4.5.1 Awareness on the role of senate.............................................................................. 38
4.5.2 The legislative oversight role of the Senate ............................................................ 39
4.5.3 Influenced on attitude towards the role of senators in oversight............................ 39
4.5.4 Rating the performance of the Senate ..................................................................... 40
4.6 Impact of live broadcast of parliamentary proceedings on the public knowledge of the
legislative oversight role of the Senate ..................................................................................... 42
4.6.1 Performance of the Senate on its oversight role ..................................................... 42
4.6.2 Impact of the live broadcast of Senate proceedings on action taken by the public 43
4.6.3 Effect of live broadcast of Senate proceedings on accountability and transparency
43
4.7 Discussion of Findings ........................................................................................................ 45
4.7.1 The impact of live broadcast of parliamentary proceedings on the public
knowledge of the legislative oversight role of the Senate ..................................................... 45
4.7.2 The influence of live broadcast of the parliamentary proceedings on the execution
of the legislative oversight by the Senators ........................................................................... 47
4.7.3 The influence of live broadcast of parliamentary proceedings on audiences’
perceptions and attitudes on roles of Senators....................................................................... 48
CHAPTER FIVE: SUMMARY, CONCLUSIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS ............ 50
5.1 Overview ........................................................................................................................ 50
5.2 Summary ........................................................................................................................ 50
5.3 Conclusion...................................................................................................................... 51
5.4 Recommendation ............................................................................................................ 54
5.6 Suggestion for Future Research ..................................................................................... 55
REFERENCES ............................................................................................................................ 57
Appendix I: Introduction Letter .................................................................................................... 60
Appendix II: Interview Guide ....................................................................................................... 61

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 ABBREVIATIONS AND ACRONYMS

CoK Constitution of Kenya

HON Honourable

KBC Kenya Broadcasting Corporation

KNBS Kenya National Bureau of Statistics

Legco Legislative Council of Kenya

MPs Member of Parliament

PASW Predictive Analytics Software

PBC Parliamentary Broadcasting Committee

PBU Parliamentary Broadcasting Unit

PSC Parliamentary Service Commission

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 ABSTRACT
Live broadcast of parliamentary proceedings is meant to create public awareness on the roles of
parliament and the Senate in particular. However, despite the existence of live broadcast of
parliamentary proceedings since 2008, the public seems not to understand the role of parliament
especially the Senate. This study sought to find out how live broadcast has improved the public’s
knowledge on the oversight role of the Senate and to investigate if the live broadcast of
parliamentary proceedings has promoted understanding roles of the Senate. The main objective
of this study was to investigate the impact of live broadcast of parliamentary proceedings on
legislative oversight role of the Senate. The specific objectives are; to find out the impact of live
broadcast of parliamentary proceedings on the public knowledge of the legislative oversight role
of the Senate, to investigate the influence of live broadcast of the parliamentary proceedings on
the execution of the legislative oversight by the Senators and to establish the impact of live
broadcast of parliamentary proceedings on audiences’ perceptions and attitudes on overall roles
of the Senators. The study was carried out in Nairobi Central Ward. The Gate keeping, Agenda
Setting and Media System Dependency theories were used. The researcher used exploratory
research design. This study is qualitative which used in-depth interviews and focus group
discussions. Qualitative data was collected using fifteen in-depth interviews and four focus group
discussions. Purposive sampling was used for data collection. Qualitative data was thematically
analyzed and presented using narratives. Findings revealed that an increase in public
participation was the major impact. The results also showed that most of the interviewees had a
lot of knowledge on parliamentary procedures, knowledge on the duties of a Member of
Parliament, and knowledge on Government policies. Moreover, the research findings showed
most of the respondents interviewed were very interested in Senate and its work and were
satisfied with the performance of the senate. The study concluded that the major impact of live
broadcast of parliamentary proceedings was that it enhanced increased public participation in the
law making process as enshrined in article 118 of the Constitution of Kenya.

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 CHAPTER ONE: INTRODUCTION

1.0 Overview

This Chapter provides the background of the study. It discusses the Senate of Kenya,

Parliament broadcast and parliamentary Proceedings. It also discusses the legislative oversight

role of the Senate and the statement of the problem. Also discussed is the scope of the study,

objectives, and research questions, limitations of the Study, significance and justification of the

study.

1.1 Background of the Study

1.1.1 Senate of Kenya

Lancaster Constitution of 1962 introduced Parliamentary system of government which

has a Bicameral Parliament. The first Parliament of Kenya was established in 1963 just after

Kenya attained independence from British Colonial government (Slade 1975). Okongo (2016)

posits that in December 1966, Parliament resolved to merge the two Houses into one thus

changing Kenya to a unicameral legislature. In other words, a Parliament made up of one House.

Kenya remained unicameral up to 2010. The adoption of the Kenyan Constitution (2010) led to

the reversion to the bicameral legislature of the Republic of Kenya. The Kenyan Constitution

(2010) created a pure presidential governance structure with clear division of responsibilities.

Unlike the independence Constitution, Article 126 of the Constitution of Kenya (2010) gives

Parliament powers to commence at a time the House appoints. Parliament therefore controls its

own business.

According to Constitution of Kenya (2010), the Parliament of Kenya consists of National

Assembly and the Senate. Article 96 of CoK states that the Senate represents the counties and

serves to protect the interests of the devolved governments. The Senate determines the allocation

1
of national revenue among counties and exercises oversight over national revenue allocated to

the county governments. The Senate participates in the oversight of state officers by considering

and determining any resolution to remove the President or Deputy President from office. The

County Government Act (2018) states that the Senate plays a crucial role in oversight of the

Executive arm of government by inviting Cabinet Secretaries to appear before the Senate in

regards to national matters.

Section 33 of the County Government Act (2018) postulates that the Senate plays

important role in the impeachment of governors. CGA gives the Senate power to approve the

impeachment of a governor. According to article 192 of CoK (2010), the Senate has the veto

power over the President in matters regarding the suspension of the county governments. Barkan

(2009) posits that legislative oversight is an essential function for a democratic legislature

because it ensures both the vertical accountability of the rulers to the ruled and the horizontal

accountability of all other agencies of the executive to the legislature. Miller (2008) argues that

in many countries where parliamentary democracy is evolving, the absence of public information

and awareness of the functions and methods of functioning of parliaments is a major issue. A

general public opinion that Parliament lacks transparency and accountability, accompanies this

lack of awareness.

1.1.2 Live Broadcast of Parliamentary Proceedings

According to Hansard reports (1991), Members of Parliament had begun clamoring for

live broadcast of parliamentary proceedings in anticipation to multi-party democracy re-

introduction of in 1992. A motion was introduced in the National Assembly to effect the live

broadcast of parliamentary proceedings but it did not materialize. An Ad-hoc committee on Live

Broadcast was formed in July 2000. The Committee was chaired by the then legislator for

2
Cherangany, Honorable Kipruto Arap Kirwa. It was formed to explore the possibility of the live

broadcast of Parliamentary proceedings. In April 2001, the committee made proposals for

amending the Standing Orders to pave the way for this noble task. However, even with such

recommendations, the Standing Orders were not changed, and live broadcast did not begin.

(Okongo, 2016). The Speaker of National Assembly in the tenth Parliament, Kenneth Otiato

Marende initiated the process of opening up of Parliament to the public through live broadcast of

parliamentary proceedings. (Hansard Reports, 2008).

According to Hansard Reports of 2008, The National Assembly Speaker Honourable

Marende provided a timeline for implementation of the live broadcast of parliamentary

proceedings. One-year timeline was put in place for television broadcast to be initiated. The

Speaker formed a House Broadcasting Committee to facilitate coverage of proceedings of

Parliament. Parliament shall conduct its business in an open manner and shall be open to the

public in its sessions and those of its sessions and of its committees. (Article 118 of Constitution

of Kenya, 2010). The Senate Standing Order No. 39 outlines the Parliamentary proceedings as

the procedures used the house as outlined in each sitting day’s order paper. According to Miller

(2008), over sixty countries in the world currently allow live broadcast of their Parliamentary

proceedings. Majority of Commonwealth States like Britain, Canada, New Zealand, Botswana,

Nigeria and South Africa have adopted the live broadcast of their parliamentary proceedings.

The Senate Standing Order No. 234 provides for the live broadcast of Senate

proceedings. Live broadcast of parliamentary proceedings was not live until 2008. The First

Schedule of the Senate Standing order makes provision for coverage of the parliamentary

proceedings. Wanjiru (2008) argued that in July 2008 the Kenyan National Assembly

implemented live microphones and cameras. The Kenyan parliament allowed people to hear and

3
watch live radio as well as television sessions. "The broadcasting of parliamentary procedures

will promote the interest in public and knowledge of Parliament’s Members and its work in

Canada," Okongo (2016) said. Okongo (Franconia & Vandermark, 1995). Television will raise

awareness of parliamentarian everyday activities and reassure the public that the House actually

asks the questions that are critical to parliamentarians.

"Broadcasting tells Canadians of what the Government does, what is being suggested or opposed

by the opposition and how members represent its constituents and provide an important role in

the process of governing," MacEachen (2004) postulates. The then Chairman, Honorable

Marende, according to Hansard Records in 2008, regarded broadcasting and television

broadcasting from Parliamentary Trials as a step toward raising public awareness of

parliamentary operations and increasing the role of the public in governance and accountability

and openness in parliamentary affairs. Although the live broadcast of Parliamentary proceedings

has been in place since 2008, no study has been conducted to find out the impact of the live

broadcast of Parliamentary Proceedings on the oversight role of the Senate.

1.1.3 Situational Analysis of Live Broadcast of Senate Proceedings

The Senate proceedings are broadcast live on KBC Channel 1 television, Signet Senate

and Parliament YouTube Channels. The Senate proceedings are also live on KBC Radio Taifa on

92.9 FM frequency in the Nairobi County and its environs. The live broadcast of the Senate

proceedings is scheduled for Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday on both KBC radio and

television from 2.30 p.m. to 6.30 p.m. Signet Senate TV broadcasts the entire sessions of the

Senate in each sitting day uninterrupted but KBC in consultation with Parliamentary Broadcast

Unit alternates the timings of live broadcast of each house.

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1.1.3.1 Media and Good Governance

Pitts (2000) posits that the relationship between the media and the parliamentarians

should never be too close or too adversarial to affect the delivery of the service, the media should

hold the politicians responsible for their actions while at the same time deliver their main role of

informing the public. According to Tshombe et al (2013), media is viewed as a catalyst that

amplify the liaison between the government and its subjects. Media is a crucial tool used as a

watchdog which is capable of helping the public to understand the legislative oversight role of

the Parliament and enhance the quality of good governance through transmission and

dissemination of information.

Live broadcasts of Senate proceedings have been able to bring out to the public the

quality of debates in the Senate and enhance the legislative oversight of the Senate. The debates

on the motions of impeachment of County Governors have been aired live therefore enhancing

governance in execution of legislative oversight of the Senate. Scott (2014) postulates that

although there exist studies on correlation between media and good governance, the results show

that there exist real limitations due to failure by the researchers to justify why or how media

assimilates to particular principles of good governance and therefore they cannot determine the

role of media as “watchdog, agenda setter or civic forum or indeed, any alternative function.”

1.1.3.2 Parliament and Media

Gentzkov & Shapiro (2008) argue that the government can influence and suppress the

publication of the negative stories on the government by exchange of the positive stories, by

denying the media houses advertisements, threatening individual journalists or punishing the

journalists in efforts to manipulate the media to offer favorable media coverage. According to

5
Reuters, in 2015 Daily Nation parliamentary editor, John Ngirachu was arrested by DCI officers

over a story that implicated the ministry of interior in corruption.

The newspaper reported that the ministry had spent Ksh. 3.8 billion per day and the

ministry was unable to account for the monies, the Kenya Union of Journalists accused the

government for intimidation and impeding on the freedom of speech and right to information as

enshrined in the constitution of Kenya (2010) in articles 33, 34 and 35. Parliament engages with

media to create a nexus and link the parliament, and the communities and constituencies that the

MPs represent. Surtees (2007) posits that parliament’s objective is to inform citizens about its

work through the media and explain to them to understand the parliament as an institution while

engaging the public to make a positive contribution to achieve greater transparency and

openness.

1.1.3.3 Media as a Watchdog

The media have a clear and measurable effect on the public's awareness, attitude and

behavior (Franklin, 2004). The media transfers information to the audience, creating an

awareness which leads to interest and thus reinforces action (McQuails 2005). The watchdog role

is to ensure transparency and accountability by the government. This role is accomplished by

bringing out policy failures by public officers, media has been seen as means to audit the

government. Obonyo (2011) argue that the Watchdog function of the Kenyan media is controlled

by the political class and the elite in the society. They further argue that, “advertisers offer

lucrative advertisement to sweeten coverage or threaten them to stop them if a paper writes

critically about them.”

For example, the Government of Kenya is the largest advertiser in the Kenyan media

therefore providing the highest revenue for the survival of the media. The control of

6
advertisement revenue contributes to how the media oversights the government. Whitten (2009)

posits that the justification for press freedom is that free media acts as the watchdog over the

government. In Developed multiparty democracies, media is expected to be free as expected to

the autocracies which have state controlled media, most of the widely criticized government

behavior is muzzling of the media in order to control the content and the information that is

published.

1.1.3.4 Media coverage in Parliamentary Committees

Kenyan parliament has a bicameral parliament; the Senate and the National Assembly.

Both houses have committees that help the parliament to transact its business of formulation of

laws. In order for the public to be aware of the happenings in parliament, the media is the linkage

between the parliamentarians and the electorates. According to Standing Order 252 (2) (2017)

Parliamentary committees are open to the media unless the chairperson of the committee in

consultation with the memberships decide to close the committee to the media.

Parliamentary business is public business; therefore, the citizens provide scrutiny to the

business of Parliament. In pluralist democracy, parliament holds vital role in enhancing

governance of a state. Beetham (2016) states that citizens have vague knowledge of the

parliamentary business therefore the media acts as a bridge between the parliament and the

citizenry. The media plays a role in making the populace to understand the working of the

parliament as an institution. The media gives space to parliamentary business, this role of the

media is important in disseminating information to the public.

1.2 Statement of the Problem

The Second Senate was established in March 2013 after the promulgation of the

Constitution of Kenya 2010. Live broadcast of parliamentary proceedings had begun in the year

7
2008 in the National Assembly. In the year 2008, Kenya had a unicameral. The Parliamentary

Service Commission contracted KBC to broadcast live the proceedings of the National Assembly

through KBC radio and Television. Parliamentary Broadcasting Unit does production of the live

proceedings then uses KBC and Senate Signet Channel broadcast live. (Parliamentary Live

Broadcast Committee Report 2008). According to Mwaura (2008), the introduction of live

broadcast of the Parliamentary Proceedings would create public awareness on the roles of

parliament and therefore open the Parliament to scrutiny. He argues that the live broadcast of

Parliamentary proceedings would educate and inform the public about the activities of

Parliament while creating public interest towards the oversight role of Parliament.

However, despite the live broadcast of parliamentary proceedings, no study has been

undertaken to find out how live broadcast have achieved their objectives to improve the

knowledge of the public on the role of the Senate role in legislative oversight. This study sought

to find out if the live broadcast of parliamentary proceedings promoted understanding of the

Senate business and if live broadcast has enhanced the legislative oversight role of the senate. In

spite of the constitutional mandate of legislative oversight role of the Senate, there have been

push by Members of National Assembly for amendment of the constitution of Kenya for

disbandment of the Senate while some Members of County Assemblies, Senators and Governors

argue that the Senate should be strengthened to execute its oversight role. This study examined

the impact of live broadcast of parliamentary proceedings on the legislative oversight role of the

Senate (Mutakha, 2016).

1.3 Objectives of the Study

The main objective of this study was to investigate the impact of live broadcast of

parliamentary proceedings on the legislative role of the Senate of Kenya.

8
 The following specific objectives guided the study:

i. To find out the impact of live broadcast of parliamentary proceedings on the public

knowledge of the legislative oversight role of the Senate.

ii. To investigate the influence of live broadcast of the parliamentary proceedings on the

execution of the legislative oversight by the Senators.

iii. To establish the impact of live broadcast of parliamentary proceedings on audiences’

perceptions and attitudes on the overall performance of Senators.

1.4 Research Questions

i. What is the impact of live broadcast of parliamentary proceedings on the members of the

public knowledge of the legislative oversight role of the Senate?

ii. What is the influence of live broadcast of the parliamentary proceedings on the execution

of the legislative oversight by the Senators?

iii. What is the impact of live broadcast of parliamentary proceedings on audiences’

perceptions and attitudes on the overall performance of the Senators?

1.5 Justification of the Study

This study sought to find out the impacts of live broadcast of parliamentary proceedings

on legislative oversight role of the Senate since 2013. The research findings will inform the

Parliamentary Service Commission (PSC) in the evaluation of the live broadcast production and

take necessary actions. The findings may help constitutional bodies and agencies to enhance and

promote future policies formulations in regards to live broadcast. This study will find out if the

public understands the role of senate in matters oversight.

This study may help Media Council of Kenya and Communication Authority of Kenya to

come up with policies that would guide and improve live broadcast in Kenya. This study adds

9
knowledge through literature to the field of communication and encourage Communication

students to further delve in the study of live broadcast of parliamentary proceedings in

Parliament of Kenya.

The findings may help Parliamentary Service Commission to enhance and promote future

policies formulations in regards to live broadcast of parliamentary proceedings. This study will

find out if the public understands the roles of senate including representation and legislation.

1.6 Scope and Limitations of the Study

This study was strictly undertaken in Nairobi therefore limiting the number of

respondents. The research findings would have changed if the study was carried out in a large

population.

1.7 Delimitations of the Study

This research was carried in Nairobi Central Ward, Starehe Constituency. This

administrative ward is cosmopolitan and is representative of almost all the forty-three tribes of

Kenya therefore being representative enough for the study.

1.8 Operational Definition of Terms

Live Parliamentary Broadcast: coverage of parliamentary proceedings which unedited

and uninterrupted.

Order Paper: A publication of Parliament published on the sitting day that entails the

business of the House.

Parliament: Refers to the House of Representatives; both the National Assembly and the

Senate.

Parliamentary Proceedings: series of activities involving a set procedure in Parliament.

10
 Senate: A Devolved Government House of Parliament aims to protect the interests of the

counties and their legislatures,

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 CHAPTER TWO: LITERATURE REVIEW

2.0 Overview

This chapter reviews the empirical literature. It discusses in depth the already undertaken

literature and studies that are specifically relevant to the issue under investigation. It looks at the

situational analysis of live broadcast of Parliamentary proceedings in Kenya, legislative

oversight role of the Senate and provides the framework of the study. It also contains the

theoretical and conceptual frameworks of the study.

2.1 The Influence of Live Broadcast of Parliamentary Proceedings on Audiences’

Perceptions and Attitudes

In several nations, the implementation of live broadcasting of Parliamentary proceedings

often attracts mixed perceptions (Miller, 2008). However, it must be noted that little study has

systematically studied the effect of this phenomenon on public awareness, attitude and

interpretation of Parliament and its work following this literature review. Consequently, this

study aimed to analyze this phenomenon and to add to the information in this field. The primary

aim of live coverage of parliamentary proceedings in many democracies is, according to Miller,

2008; Frederick, Vandermark, 1995 and Wober, 1990, to increase public awareness and ensure

positive attitudes to the Parliament. The majority of studies carried out on this subject are from

the west.

Javits (1952) argued in the United States of America (USA) that the broadcast of

American parliamentary debates provided the public with an opportunity to observe politicians at

work and encourage greater public engagement and participation in the legislative process, thus

improving the democratic structure. According to Franks & Vandermark (1995), the House of

12
Commons advocates for live broadcasting while Canada argued that it would raise interests of

the public and public knowledge of and work of parliamentary Representatives. Clarke et al

(1980) argued that the House's live broadcasting would raise awareness of MPs' everyday

activities and reassure the public that they have indeed raised issues important to them. Clarke et

al (1980) quotes MacEachen as saying that live broadcasting would educate Canadians of what

the government is doing, what the opposition is opposed to, and how representatives serve their

constituents and play an integral role in the governing process.

Franklin (2004) argues that the media has a clear and critical influence on the audiences’

awareness, attitude and actions. On the other hand, Schechter (1997) says that the more one

watches, the less information he gets. McQuails (1987) sums up this point, arguing that this is a

region with the least certainty and the least consensus. He continues to claim that the fact that the

media transmits information to the public that then becomes knowledgeable is what we all agree

on, thereby creating awareness that contributes to interest and thus stimulates action.

Robertson (2005) cites an article by Johansen (1973) that addresses different issues

surrounding Parliament's broadcasting. As quoted by Robertson (2005), Johansen noted that

there is an important question about the suitability of television as a broadcasting platform for

parliamentary proceedings. It was noticed that a number of Canadians opposed politicians in the

House of Commons after broadcasting years.

According to a report by the Commonwealth Broadcasting Association (CBA), most

African Commonwealth countries broadcast only live radio and television broadcasts, which are

main Parliament occasions. As contained in this survey, the following are some of the activities.

Botswana, Gambia, Lesotho and Malawi are amongst the countries that broadcast live on radio

and television. Pre-packaged parliamentary coverage was transmitted from Namibia and Nigeria.

13
The only countries that have reported undertaking live coverage of the Parliamentary

Proceedings are Mozambique and South Africa. In Kenya, the Parliament's proceedings were

broadcast live only during the sessions attended by the Head of State, which included the Budget

Speech and the State Opening of each Parliament Session, prior to the implementation of live

broadcasting in 2008. In a few occasions, in his capacity as a Member of Parliament, the Head of

State would attend the sessions of the House and such occasions would also attract a live

broadcast of the proceedings. In the absence of such times, bundled programs lasting 30 minutes

were transmitted on the radio every day that Parliament was sitting. Leo Katika Bunge was

broadcasted by the Kenya Broadcasting Corporation (KBC) Kiswahili Service and KBC English

Service was broadcasted by Today in Parliament. According to records at the PBU, in March

1993, during the Seventh Parliament, the broadcasting of these packaged programs began.

During the launch of live broadcast of the proceedings of the Parliament of Kenya, the

then Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Information and Communication, Dr. Bitange

Ndemo said that the live coverage of house activities provided the public with an opportunity to

ignore the impression that parliamentarians are outstanding people and also enable the electorate

to make informed judgments of the performance of their MPs and the National Assembly which

in the court of public opinion, Parliament is a den of lay about (Afrik, 2008). In Ruiru Town in

central Kenya, a study by Wandera (2012) found that live broadcasting of parliamentary

proceedings had increased the awareness of citizens across socio-economic classes about

Parliament and its work, helped the public demystify Parliament and its work, and changed the

reverence they had given Parliament as an institution. The same study showed that the attitude of

the general public to Parliament was negative and that trust and satisfaction with the 10th

Parliament and its work was lacking for the majority of respondents.

14
2.2 Legislative Oversight role of the Senate

According to Constitution of Kenya (2010), Article 93 states that the Parliament of

Kenya consists of a bicameral legislature comprising of the Senate and National Assembly. Key

roles of the senate is to represent and protect the interests of the counties through legislation and

legislative oversight functions. Tsebelis & Money (1997), argue that the bicameral legislatures

are two houses of parliament that involve distinct deliberations and diversity. According to them,

“the founders of the American Constitution advocated for two important dimensions of

bicameralism. The first was efficiency: improvement of legislative product, finding the common

grounds between the two chambers. The second was political and redistributive: representation

of societal preferences, seeking a compromise between the two chambers and reflecting the

relative balance of power.”

Tsebelis & Money (1997), further argue that Senate is meant to be the upper house so

that it can veto the decisions of the lower house and participates in the impeachment of the

President. In Kenya Senate is perceived to have equal powers to National Assembly while in the

United States of America, Senate is the Upper House. In Kenya, Senate provides legislative

oversight to Devolved Governments by scrutinizing the audited accounts of the County

Governments as provided by the Office of the Auditor General and approves or rejects the

impeachment of Governors’ resolutions as passed by the County Assemblies.

2.3 Influence of live broadcast of the parliamentary proceedings on the execution of the

legislative oversight by the Senators

The first Global Parliamentary Study focuses on improving citizens' relationships with

parliaments (Saalfeld, 2000). It seeks to underline the key features of this partnership, how the

15
perceptions of the public are shifting and the roles of Parliament, politicians and parliamentary

workers. At the beginning of the 21st century, public pressure on such institutions seems to be

more pressing than ever. According to Ríos, Bastida & Benito (2016), Government development

has increased legislative responsibility for oversight and transparency. The exposure of

parliaments and politicians has risen in information technologies and political coverage in

Saturation media.

The increase in the number of parliaments across the world seems to be followed by

raised expectations from the public for what they can and should offer. Moreover, the efficacy of

parliamentarians in keeping the Governments responsible in many parts of the world is

inherently uncertain. In many countries, political parties' representative position, which is central

to the legislative process, has a weak and poor social roots. And people have many routes to

representation and recourse with emerging technology and modes of participatory democracy.

Where parliaments were once the most effective means of articulating public interest, they now

contend with a number of choices. The challenge for parliamentary growth around the world is to

think about what these developments are, what they mean for parliamentary representation and

how to respond in line with what seems to be an increasingly rapid speed of change (Tripp &

Kang, 2008).

Each of these pressures in some countries and regions is taking place in various ways and

at different speeds. The study does not pretend to include a final evaluation of the state of

parliament, but rather uses institutions and individual politicians' experience to highlight the

problems and the range of initiatives aimed at improving parliamentary representation in Kenya.

Though different, there is a link between the government and the people in all parliaments’

proceedings in Kenya. The quality of this partnership with the public is fundamental to the study

16
and to how parliaments respond to the needs of an increasingly demanding society. The report

notes that parliamentary pressures need to be better understood in order to develop more strategic

solutions to their problems. It attempts to define some of the tensions to be handled and offers

examples of good practice, which may provide feedback, motivation or the basis for emulation.

2.4 Impact of live broadcast of parliamentary proceedings on the public knowledge of

the legislative oversight role of the Senate

In Canada, television advocates from the House of Commons proposed that broadcasting

from Parliament would promote the public interest and awareness of the parliamentarians and

their actions (Franks and Vandermark, 1995). The authors also stated that television would

sensitize Members of Parliament (MPs) to their everyday activities and reassure the public that

the House indeed posed problems which were important to them (Clarke et al., 1980). "Radio

diffusion ... is going to ... inform Canadians of what they do and what they propose or oppose the

government and the way that the members represent their constituent members and play their

integral part in the governing process," commented Allan MacEachen (quoted by Clarke and

other others, 1980).

Walter Baker (quoted in Clarke et al., 1980) further highlighted these thinking of

increased public knowledge, who remarks that "our constituents will certainly appreciate our

tasks of grinding and may be rejecting, as an insufficient study, the trendy skepticism that we

have been subjugated to sometimes." Afterwards, TV was considered the best way of allowing

us to learn more about the functioning of Parliament in the polls performed on the public

following the 1985 Six Months TV experiment. Television was often regarded as the best way by

which people would learn about the true sentiments of parliamentarians in relation to national

17
concerns. Broadcasting of live coverage by Parliament was also considered the best way to

stimulate the decorum between parliamentarians because of its accompanying ads (Wober,

1990).

Wober (1990) further states that an average understanding of the operations of the House

is expected to grow among the elite (who have better awareness and adequate viewing practice)

via television networks compared to people not interested in the new subject. People of greater

social standing really know and even know how and when to use new information sources more

efficiently than people with less information. Wober (1990) does, however, agree that research

on the way people benefit from parliamentary hearings are inadequate to assess the standard of

parliamentary live broadcasting. He divides Parliamentary data into three parts, i.e., I Policies,

characters and events awareness-who, where and why has done what. (ii) Parliamentary

procedure experience and (iii) television's experience of filtering facts.

Franklin (2004) argues that the media influence the awareness, perceptions and even

actions of members of the audience explicitly and significantly. Schechter (1997) is against that

view because the more one watches the less he gets information. The debate is controversial by

McQuails (1987), who argues that this is an environment of "less certainty and least consensus."

Despite all the discrepancies, media and the viewer interaction are such that the media pass on

information to the public that becomes more knowledgeable and then stimulates an interesting

perception, thereby promoting effective action.

Johansen (Cited in Robertson, 2005) discusses several questions concerning Parliament's

broadcasting: The marginalizing influence of television, its visual distraction and distortion of

reality, its effect on the issue of English and French, and the suggestion by Marshall McLuhan

that television would lead to obsolescence in Parliament. He states that basic questions regarding

18
the essence of television and parliamentary proceedings were not discussed with each other: "Is

the existence of television, as a communication medium, consistent with the nature of the

institution of the Parliament? Is TV coverage by the Commons meant to support or impede the

collective perception of Canadian politics and their participation? "The Wober's (1990) article

indicates that analyses of the House of Lords TV experiment in 1985 show that television

showed little to impact public information on the functioning of parliament are part of the

response to the questions posed by Johansen.

Many Canadians were also found to have rejected politicians after years of Parliament

and despised the television: politicians' education, or lack of importance and the acts they had

taken at the House of Commons have often been criticized by people. Many viewers know

perfectly about MPs' strategies and feel like they're young behind a speaker to make the Chamber

look packed. Whether or not the existence of television aggravates public attitudes towards

federal politicians and the Parliament is hard to say. Instead, criticism can be attributed to the

public's overall cynicism of the leadership. However, in the light of prospective defeats,

numerous Canadians respond vigorously and say that it is vital that the proceedings be pursued

(Robertson, 2005:6).

The then Speaker of Kenya National Assembly, Hon. Kenneth Otiato Marende saw

broadcasting of proceedings of the Parliament as a way to increase public knowledge about

parliamentary operations, expand public engagement in governance and increase accountability

and transparency in parliamentary affairs. The public will be active in the national debate

through access to Parliament’s debates on major national issues in real time and the obligation to

track the government. The 10th Parliament is very sturdy, and I assure you major happiness.

(USAID, 2010). Furthermore, Dr. Bitange Ndemo, Permanent Secretary to the Ministry of

19
Information and Communication, indicated, at the launch of the parliamentary live broadcasting

program, that live coverage of domestic events would be an opportunity to dissuade the public

from the perception that Parliamentarians are exceptional individuals. In the view of Dr. Ndemo,

parliamentary broadcasting also required voters to take informed decisions concerning the

function of their representative parliaments and the national assembly, which were considered to

be the den of indolent lay seekers by the courts of the public (Afrik, 2008).

Following the live broadcast tests of the parliamentary proceedings in Kenya, Kenyans

reiterated that they have led to increased public interest and engagement in parliamentary and

government work (Wanjiku, 2008). USAID (2010) also observed that Live Broadcasting has

made national broadcasting the most popular for parliamentary debates, and that parliamentary

knowledge has increased substantially because the constituents expect MPs to speak during the

House’s main debate. With the case study Wandera and Mugubi (2014), we have found that the

consciousness among the people from the socio-economic groups, parliament and its work has

gained in live parliamentary broadcasting by the effect of live parliamentary broadcasting on the

awareness, attitude and perception of the public in Kenya, in a small village called Ruiru in

Kenya. How, as opposed to the lower class, Parliament's real knowledge of the upper class

seemed to expand. For instance, only 2% of the lower classes have the parliamentary

representatives who created the parliament, versus 20% of the upper-class respondents.

Likewise, 29% of the Ruiru people from the upper class at that time knew the name of the

speaker, as against 27% in the lower class. Further, 40% of the high-ranking respondents

suggested that the Kenyan parliament should be kept properly, compared with 31% of the lower-

class respondents.

20
 When questioned regarding Parliament's position, 52% of the top class said that the

primary role of Parliament is to hold Members responsible for what they do. 33% of the lower

classes, however, said that parliament's primary duty was to ensure the welfare of the people.

The differences of views may have resulted in an increasing knowledge gap between people with

wealthy information (the Upper Class) and the poor information (the Lower Class) about and

work of Parliament. The case study in Ruiru showed that the public's interest in and work in the

parliament had also increased with live parliamentary broadcasts. However, this curiosity was

favoured by the top class. A total of 53% of the inhabitants of Ruiru were 'very relevant' or 'fairly

involved.' Sub-totals of 29% of the respondents in parliament and its work were either “not much

interested” or “not at all interested.”

In the upper class, the highest interest was 13 percent and in the lower class, the lowest

interest was 5 percent. The parliament and the work of 24 percent of the respondents appreciated,

while 40% did not like the Chamber. In the middle and high class, the parliament and its

activities were respectively highly respected at 16% and 7%. The survey also found that live

parliamentary programs seem to have helped to demystify the parliament and its work, as

confirmed by the key informants. The public also learned on the role of the parliament as a

legislative body that helped regulate the executive through live parliament broadcasts. In

addition, live broadcasts had allowed the public to evaluate the competence and importance of

their MPs and parliament as a whole. The Tenth Parliament (2008-2013) and its works were

generally unhappy and lacked confidence and satisfaction. 72% of Ruiru residents found

parliament to be a significant Kenya institution. In the 10th Parliament, 6% of Ruiru residents

had full confidence. The study included either "no confidence" or "no confidence" in the 10th

Parliament, 75 percent of the sampled Ruiru people (Wandera & Mugubi, 2014).

21
 Furthermore, 38 percent of Ruiru's residents were 'satisfied' or 'less pleased' with their

results in the 10th Parliament. The best way to transmit live parliamentary programming is to

television in 68% of those interviewed. The study also found that TV in the upper class is the

best medium to broadcast parliamentary proceedings for the majority of viewers, 30 percent. In

the lower class, radio became the most common source. 63%. The wide preference for the

peasants may be because of its affordability, portability or coverage by the wider radio medium.

57 and 43 percent of middle and high class interviewees endorsed the live parliamentary

broadcasts via the Internet respectively. (Wandera & Mugubi, 2014).

2.5 Theoretical Framework

Theories help the researcher to explain, introduce and describe the research study. The

theoretical framework explains why the research problem under study exists. This study

employed three theories; Agenda Setting Theory, Gate Keeping Theory and Media System

Dependency Theory.

2.5.1 Gate Keeping Theory

In journalism's practice the definition of gate keeping by Lewin (1947) refers to any

behavior within the media which involves choosing or refusing a broadcast or publishing

program. It is designed to understand the interface between information, communication

channels and the public. It aims to figure out how information occurs as it goes through

communication channels and how it gets to the audience. This work affects the recipients with

respect to behavior, interpretations and information.

Bass (1969) claims that news collectors and reporters are the key gates. It further notes

that information must have certain principles and relevance to the viewer if it is to move through

the different gates. The views and attitudes of the public are impressed by those standards. The

22
theory analyzes also, how closer the event is to the public and how the cultural proximity of the

audience is to its cultural interests. This theory extends to the evaluation of the professionalism

of different media organizations.

2.5.2 Agenda Setting Theory

McCombs and Shaw came up with theory during the 1968 American Presidential

election. The theory suggests that the media are able to shape the public agenda as well as

current affairs and the way media presentation influences public attitudes. Agenda Setting theory

tries to predict by instigating, rather than worrying, what the audience should think about. The

frequency and how the prominence of the news is covered in the media makes the audience to

regard the news as the most important. News bulletins prioritizes the hierarchy of the

presentation news items, the perception of the audience is shaped automatically by how

particular news item is given prominence, attention and importance as compared to other news

items. For example, the Kenyan television stations have sports as the last segment in a bulletin

hence perceived as less important, same as Kenyan newspapers which place politics articles on

the cover page while the sports news are hidden on the back of newspaper pages. The idea is

that the media does not represent reality, but filters it and forms the agenda through a cognitive

mechanism called "accessibility." Idea Theory Media offers the most important knowledge for

thinking, portrays the key questions and represents the minds of people.

This theory has multiple levels that allow researchers to understand and apply this theory

in their studies. The initial level is typically used by the researchers to analyze media uses and its

purposes, or the impact that the media has on people and the closest belief that people are

exposed to media knowledge (McCombs, 2005). Shoemaker (1991) postulates that media users

are not ideal and the audience may not pay attention to details, the media outlets cannot create

23
problems, and they can only alter the level of awareness, priorities and importance. The effect is

weakened for people who have made up their mind. The theory informs this study because

audiences depend on media to get information from the media and they use the information to

gain knowledge, create perceptions and attitudes towards agenda set by the media.

2.5.3 Media System Dependency Theory

Ball-Rokeach and Tallman (1976) argue that this theory focuses on audiences’ goals for

media consumption as the source of their dependency. The theory is combined with several

perspectives like psycho analytics & social system theory, systematic & casual approach and

base elements from Uses and Gratification theory but less focus on effects. Media Dependency

theory is one of the theories, first of its kind which regards audience as an active part in

communication process. The dependency theory is expanded from the theory of Uses and

Gratification.

According to this theory, there is an internal link between media, audience and large

social system. The audience learning from the real life is limited, so they can use media to get

more information to fulfil their needs. An extensive use of media generates dependent relation in

audience. Also Media can able to create dependence relationship with target audiences to achieve

their goals by using its media power. The degree of dependence is directly proportional to ability

of the media to satisfy the audience needs. An individual will become more dependent on media,

if the medium satisfies his/her needs. Otherwise the media dependence will become less.

Media attracts individuals by offering the content which is able to fulfil the audience

needs for understanding, entertainment and information. For example, KBC Channel one is the

only Television station that airs live broadcast of Parliamentary proceedings hence audience

24
depend of KBC for house business and therefore shapes the perceptions and attitudes of audience

towards the role of parliament that include legislation, representation and oversight.

2.6 Conceptual framework

Independent Variables Dependent Variables

LIVE BROADCAST OF OVERSIGHT ROLE OF THE

PARLIAMENTARY PROCEEDINGS SENATE

 INTEREST IN A SPECIFIC
MATTER
 AVAILABILITY OF MEDIA

Intervening Variables

Figure 2. 1 Conceptual framework

In this study, impact of the live broadcast of parliamentary proceedings on oversight role

of the Senate depends on independent variable of live broadcast of parliamentary proceedings

but the influence of the two independent variables on the dependent variables is determined by

intervening variables which include interest in a specific matter before the Senate and

availability of media. The oversight role of the Senate is dependent on the live broadcast of the

Senate which is the independent variable.

25
 CHAPTER THREE: RESEARCH METHODOLOGY

3.0 Overview

The broad aim of this research was to find out the impact of live broadcast of

parliamentary proceedings on the legislative oversight role of Senate. This chapter discusses the

methods used in the collection and analysis of the data to achieve the objectives of the study. The

chapter explains the research design, target population, the sampling procedures, data collection

and data analysis.

3.1 Research Design

According to Resink (2008), research design is the plan for collecting and utilizing the

data to be collected so that the desired information can be collected Orotho (2003) believes that

the scheme, outline or strategy used to produce answers to the research problem is a research

design. Kothari (2004) states that research design is a blueprint for collection, me. This research

study used exploratory design whereby the researcher used qualitative approach for data

collection by carrying out in-depth interviews with the key informants and held focus group

discussions for data collection.

3.2 Study Area

This study was carried out in Nairobi Central Ward, Starehe Constituency. This

administrative ward is cosmopolitan and is a representative of almost all the forty-three tribes of

Kenya therefore being representative enough for the study. The study area was ideal because it

was easier to get respondents from different communities therefore enriching the data with

diversity.

26
3.4 Research Approach

The study used qualitative approach. According to Creswell (2014), qualitative method

approach is the best because the researcher captures changing attitudes within the target group

and provides much more flexible approach.

3.5 Target Population

According to Ngechu (2004), any collections or classes of human or non-human beings,

schools, geographical locations and units of time from which data is collected apply to

population. A population is a well-defined set of individuals, services, elements or events that are

being studied. A selection of elements, members or units of a population is a sample size.

Mugenda & Mugenda (1999) state that a sample is a smaller group or sub-group obtained

from the accessible population. This subgroup is carefully selected so as to be representative of

the whole population with the relevant characteristics. Each member or case in the sample is

referred to as subject, respondent or interviewees.

The target population of this study are residents of Nairobi City County, a sample of the

population was taken within Nairobi Central Ward in Starehe Constituency. According to Mugo

(2002), sample is used to draw conclusions on the population. In this study the population we

shall use is that of residents of Nairobi City County which according to 2019 KNBS census

report was 4,397,073. According to KNBS Census report 2019, Nairobi Central Ward has a

population of 53,110 covering 1.1 square kilometers. However, the adult population for the ward

was 35,764.

27
3.6 Sample Size and Sampling Procedure

3.6.1 Sample Size

This study targeted members of the public in Nairobi Central Business District which is

in Nairobi Central Ward in Starehe Constituency. A sample size of fifteen respondents was used

for in-depth interviews and four focus group discussions to collect qualitative data. The study

used in-depth interviews with key informants which were; experts in law, broadcast and

governance. The key informants were the manager of Parliamentary Broadcast Unit, CEO of

Mzalendo Watch, a Constitutional lawyer; former members of Committee of Experts who

engaged in the formulation of Constitution of Kenya and a Governor through Council of

Governors, two Members of County Assembly and two former members of defunct Transitional

Authority. The researcher held four focus group discussions with Bunge la Mwananchi members.

3.6.2 Sampling Procedure

Ogula (2005) defines Sampling as a procedure, process or technique of choosing a sub-

group from a population to participate in the study. It is the process of selecting a number of

individuals for a study in such a way that the individuals selected represent the large group from

which they were selected. The researcher used purposive sampling to collect qualitative data. A

purposive sample is a non-probability sample that is selected based on characteristics of a

population and the objective of the study. The respondents for qualitative data were collected

using purposive sampling. This study purposively selected manager of the parliamentary

broadcasting unit, CEO of Mzalendo constitutional lawyers, former members defunct Committee

of Experts that participated in formulation of the Constitution of Kenya 2010, Members of

County Assemblies, Governors, Members of the National Assembly and members of the defunct

28
Transitional Authority. The key informants have experience and knowledge in governance and

hence being able to understand the study properly and be able to give responses that would

enrich the study. The researcher held four focus group discussions with members of Bunge la

Mwananchi.

3.7 Data Collection Procedures

This study used in-depth interviews and focus group discussions for qualitative data. The

researcher sought appointments with key informants for in-depth interviews and held focus

group discussions, record the interviews then later transcribed for analysis. According to Kahn

and Cannell (1957), they argue that in order to carry out an effective research study in any field,

a research instrument is needed for data collection which will serve as the backbone of the

research. This will help the researcher to understand the depth of the topic under study by

benefitting on the expertise of key informants of the study.

The researcher used unstructured questions for qualitative data. Unstructured questions

allow the respondents to elaborate themselves and help the interview to get clarification of issues

for data analyze and interpretation. Unstructured questions made the respondents comfortable

and flexible therefore makes the researcher to understand the respondents better and get more

detailed answers. (Mugenda & Mugenda, 2003). This study used unstructured questions for in-

depth interviews and focus group discussions therefore allowed the respondents to explain

themselves in depth using their own words and express their attitudes and perceptions about the

study.

29
3.8 Pilot Testing

Pilot testing was conducted to measure the effectiveness of the instruments of the

research. As part of the pilot testing, two key informants were interviewed to ensure that the

instruments used to collect data was effective. Piloting was done in Nairobi Central ward and the

respondents in the pilot testing was not used as part of the sample of this study.

3.9 Reliability and Validity of Research Instruments

Orodho (2005) states that validity is the degree to which the empirical measures or

several measures of the concept, accurately measure the concept. It is also the extent to which a

research performs what it was designed to do and how accurate the data obtained in the study

represents the variables of the study (Mugenda & Mugenda, 1999).

3.10 Data Analysis and Presentation

Qualitative data was thematically analyzed and presented using narratives and verbatim

quotes. Creswell (2002) posits that qualitative data is analyzed following the following steps;

transcripts and written memos are read then coding of data by segmenting and labeling of text is

done using themes aggregating similar codes together while connecting and interrelating the

themes of the study then finally constructing a narrative. This study analyzed the qualitative data

by organizing the data before creating categories, themes and patterns. In this study, the

researcher segmented the themes into knowledge of the broadcasting of parliamentary

proceedings and knowledge of the role of the Senate. The data was analyzed and interpreted

before a report was written. The data was analyzed using the thematic analysis technique

30
whereby data is reviewed to identify themes and patterns that emerge and describe what

relationships exists between them. Themes emerge as words, sentences, and concepts.

3.11 Ethical Considerations

This study was conducted after obtaining permission from School of Journalism, the

University of Nairobi and field work certificate acquired before data collection. During data

collection, all the respondents were informed of ethical considerations such as voluntary consent

to participate in the study and confidentiality of data collected. This study sought Certificate of

Field work to carry out this research and collect data. The study obtain permit from National

Council of Science and Technology (NACOSTI).

31
 CHAPTER FOUR: FINDINGS AND DISCUSSIONS

4.1 Overview

This chapter presents findings of the study based on research objectives. Primary data

was collected through interview guides through in-depth interviews and focus group discussions.

Data collected from respondents for the three study objectives were thematically analyzed and

presented using narratives.

4.2 Response Rate

This study targeted 15 respondents for in-depth interviews and four focus discussion

groups. However, the researcher was only able to interview 12 key informants while 3 turned

down the request for participating in the interview.

4.3 Knowledge of live broadcasting of parliamentary proceedings

The first goal of this research was to develop the awareness of live broadcasting of the

Senate's parliamentary proceedings. Most of the respondents said that they always watched the

Senate proceedings. The results of the frequency of watching the live broadcast of the Senate

means that most of the respondents watch the live broadcast of the Senate proceedings therefore

validating the findings of this study and demonstrate effects on the knowledge of the

respondents.

According media system dependence theory, the consumers of media content or the

audiences achieve their goals which in this study is to gain knowledge on the role of the senate.

The audiences rely on the media in this study, live broadcast of parliamentary proceedings to

gain knowledge on the Senate therefore the audiences need to get knowledge are dependent on

32
the media hence the interconnectivity of knowledge acquisition and media viewership. Wanjiru

(2008), majority of the respondents rarely watched the live broadcast of the parliamentary

proceedings as compared to a few who always watched the live broadcast of parliamentary

proceedings in 2008 study however in this current study the majority of the respondents watched

the live broadcast of parliamentary proceedings therefore the interest of the live broadcast has

improved tremendously.

4.3.1 Influence of live broadcast on respondents’ knowledge

The study was designed to find the influence of live broadcast on respondent’s

knowledge and looked at three main counts which included Knowledge on parliamentary

procedures, Knowledge on the duties of a Member of Parliament, Knowledge on Government

policies as passed by the Senate therefore shows the understanding of respondents on

independent variable that is the impact of live broadcast in relations to the dependent variable the

legislative oversight role of Senate.

Wandera and Mugubi (2012) stated that the influence of live broadcast on the

respondents’ knowledge on parliamentary procedures was very low in the general public of

Ruiru on 10th Parliament and a majority of respondents never had interest on the parliamentary

business as compared to this study whereby the influence of live broadcast on the knowledge of

respondents was very high.

Agenda setting theory is used in this study to show the ability of the media to influence

the public agenda, current affairs and how the presentation of the media reportage affects the

perceptions of public mind. It is evident in this study that the respondents are influenced by the

agenda set by the live broadcast of parliamentary proceedings to create perceptions and attitudes,

33
and gain knowledge about the oversight role of the senate. This theory also attempts to make

predictions by instilling what the audience should think about rather than what they think about.

This study established that majority of the respondents had a lot of knowledge on parliamentary

procedures as compared to few respondents who had moderate level of knowledge or no

knowledge on parliamentary procedures.

4.3.2 Influence of live broadcast on levels of knowledge about Senate and its work

The study also sought to determine the influence of live broadcast on levels of knowledge

about Senate and its work. Respondents were to indicate the overall influence that live broadcast

of Parliamentary proceedings has on their levels of knowledge about Senate and its work.

Agenda setting theory posits that the audiences gain knowledge from what they watch from the

media therefore most of the respondents in this study were influenced by live broadcast of Senate

proceedings to determine the levels of knowledge about Senate and its work.

Wanjiru (2008), found out that the influence of live broadcast on levels of knowledge

about Parliament was very low as compared to the current study whereby the level of knowledge

about Senate and its work was high. Majority of the respondents had high level of knowledge

about the senate and its work while few respondents had an average and low level of knowledge

about Senate and its work.

4.4 Influence of live broadcast of the parliamentary proceedings on the execution of the

legislative oversight

The study also sought to investigate the influence of live broadcast of the parliamentary

proceedings on the execution of the legislative oversight. The objective looked at the following

key area; interests in senate and its work. Media system dependency theory postulates that the

34
audience depend on the media to gain knowledge on the Senate and its work. The results showed

that majority of the respondents were very interested in senate and its work, while those who

somehow or not interested in Senate and its work.

4.4.1 Satisfaction with the performance of the Senate

The research also aimed to measure the degree of satisfaction with the senate's results. The

respondents were asked to include their degree of satisfaction with the success of the senate.

The majority of the respondents were satisfied with the performance of the senate while

very few respondents were dissatisfied with the performance of senate. Various reasons were

given for the different levels of satisfaction. For instance, those who indicated that they were

very dissatisfied, cited reasons such as there are too many in-fights instead of focusing on their

mandate, the notion that decision making takes forever e.g. the revenue division hence affecting

counties. Gate keeping theory posits that any activity on media platform, in this study the live

broadcast of Senate proceedings, is determined by a gate keeper. The Parliamentary

Broadcasting Unit editors decide which shot and angle is aired on the live broadcast of the

Senate proceedings therefore the level of satisfaction with the performance of the Senate is

determined by what the audiences watch on the television during live transmission. The

respondents indicated that Senate discussions are usually partisan they depend on where tribal

Kingpins want them to vote on. Senators are devoid of sobriety and not issue backed; live

broadcast seems to be a talk show backed with no action to match the words, the debate lacked

valid points.

35
 Okongo (2016), found out that the level of satisfaction on the performance of the Kenyan

MPs was very low as compared to this study whereby the levels of satisfaction on the

performance of the Senators was high according to the majority of the respondents. Further,

dissatisfaction was due to lack of objectivity in the Senate which somehow obscures their

efficiency. It was also alluded that the Senate does not have a mind of its own as its work is

highly influenced by external party politics at the expenses of their mandate. Most of its work is

not implemented; Most of the time they attend meetings with pre-determined opinions especially

during impeachment motions. One of the respondents stated;

I have not felt the impact of their roles especially on oversight role in county governments.
The Senate has a great role to play to protect County Governments and Devolution in Kenya,
however, most of the time marred with politics and lose focus on their true role. The senate
lost its independence once it let the executive influence a majority of its decisions.

Another respondent said;

It appears the Senate has clarified its mandate as per the Constitution, but it continues to
yield to Executive pressure on things that are likely to negatively affect counties. For
instance, the debate on the revenue allocation formula in 2020, was concluded based on a
promise of increased revenues in the subsequent years, when it is clear that given the
exigencies arising out of Covid-19 pandemic, and the tax breaks given to mitigate the effects
of the pandemic, it is unlikely to have a rise in revenues.

Besides, it was reported that there is a lot more the senate should do that is currently not

doing. Case in point, they fail to pass very important bills like the county allocation bill in good

time whilst most bills are not fairly passed, their performance is based on political grounds i.e.

parties. It was further reported that most of the time the Senate has not been able to agree on

most of the bills or they take a long time to pass some of the bills, sometimes they take too long

before approving the county allocation revenue bill hence affecting the operations and services at

36
the county. Another respondent felt that there is duplication of roles which slows down processes

especially when the bills should then go to the National Assembly for more debate.

Of late the Senate is said to deviate from real issues affecting citizens to personal

differences, some use the platform for personal scores. Sometimes they fail to consider the

common person when making their decisions and in this regard, the senate mandate is not yet

well felt at the grassroots level. The senators sometimes don't really articulate national issues that

benefits the general citizenry. Ideally, commoners should feel its impact at the grassroots level

rather than passing laws that favours cooperates and the rich. Moreover, despite the positions

taken by Senate, follow up on implementation is not that effective.

Most respondents were satisfied with the performance of the Senate because the live

broadcasts help them to understand the laws and bills passed in the house during proceedings,

senators are fulfilling their mandate in the house by representing the interest of the counties and

its people, the House exhausts its business of the day and even goes an extra mile, the Senate has

performed well especially defending devolution and that they carry out their oversight mandate

well.

One respondent also said;

The senate has come a long way since the first one and live proceedings has improved the quality of
debate and now the working of the House is now easy. Members have taken it upon themselves to learn
the house procedures and improve on their knowledge of goings on.
Basically, since its inception, the Senate has made strides to enhance and protect

devolution. For instance, the house has ensured that counties are put to task to explain on the use

of the devolved funds. It has curved its niche as the protectors and defenders of Devolution

despite extreme pressure from the Executive and other forces outside legislature. The debates in

the Senate are mature, robust and more in-depth especially the painstaking effort to strike a

revenue formula made Senate stand out House.

37
 Another respondent indicated;

“The ad Hoc committees have been very effective while the level of sobriety is top notch. The Senate
carries out its work with a lot of dedication and commitment.”
In addition, it was reported that the Senate has proven itself as the go-to place for

interaction with and interpretation of Government policies. The Senate has stepped up in its role

as the overseer of county government operations even though it has been a learning curve over

the ten years the current constitution has operated. The senate has also been on the forefront in

ensuring that laws that protect devolution are passed in time. For instance, it has stepped up

when needed in resolving issues such as disbursement of county funds therefore increasing the

levels of satisfaction of the respondents on the performance of the Senate.

4.5 Influence of live broadcast of parliamentary proceedings on audiences’ perceptions

and attitudes on roles of Senators

The second objective of the research aimed to establish the influence of live broadcast of

parliamentary proceedings on audiences’ perceptions and attitudes on roles. The respondents

were asked if they were aware of the roles of the senate and were required to rate their

performance in executing their roles. The media system dependency theory states that the

audiences depend on the media to get information which shapes their perceptions and attitudes

towards the roles of the Senate.

4.5.1 Awareness on the role of senate

Majority of the respondents reported that they were aware of the roles of the senate. The

study also sought to determine how well does the Senate carry out its mandates as stipulated in

the Constitution of Kenya. Majority of the respondents indicated that the senators carried out

their mandate averagely while few of the respondents thought that the way the Senate carried out

38
its mandate was excellent. Very few respondents indicated that the Senate performance in

executing its mandate. Wanjiru (2008), found out that the levels of confidence on parliament

performance in carrying out its mandates was very low as compared to this study where the

confidence levels on performance of the Senate was average.

4.5.2 The legislative oversight role of the Senate

In determining whether the respondents understand the legislative oversight role of the

Senate, the majority of the respondents understood the legislative oversight role of the Senate

while the a few respondents didn’t understand legislative oversight role of the Senate. Those who

indicated that they understand the role of the senate reported that the senate represent the

interests of the county governments as well as debating and approving bills. In addition, the

Senate participates in the law-making function of Parliament by considering, debating and

approving Bills concerning counties, as provided in Articles 109 to 113.

The Senate determines the allocation of national revenue among counties, as provided in

Article 217, and exercises oversight over national revenue allocated to the county governments.

It acts as a government watchdog in terms of policy adherence, execution and performance of the

various government offices. It was also reported that the Senate enacts laws that safeguard

county government interests and also provides checks and balances on county expenditures.

4.5.3 Influenced on attitude towards the role of senators in oversight

Results showed that majority of the respondent were majorly influenced on attitude

towards the role of senators in oversight on creating more awareness, while a few were Attracted

39
to Senate Business and very few respondents said that live broadcast had no influence on their

attitudes towards their attitudes towards the role of the Senate.

Further, the respondents were asked to rate the performances of senate on its oversight

role after watching live broadcast of Parliamentary proceedings. The results showed the extent to

which senate performs its oversight roles, and results indicated majority of the respondents

representing indicated live broadcast influenced their attitudes on its oversight role while very

few respondents said that the live broadcast of parliamentary proceedings did not influence their

attitudes on the performance of Senators’ role of oversight.

4.5.4 Rating the performance of the Senate

The respondents were asked to rate the performance of the senate. On the overall rating

of performance of senate, results indicated that majority of the respondents indicated the

performance of the Senate was good while few respondents rated the Senate performance as

poor.

The positive rating was because the Senate perform their mandate as stipulated in the

constitution. They have passed some crucial bills; their push for resource allocation to the county

took long although they finally came up with a working formula. Senators also execute their

oversight role by interrogating the expenditure of the county governments; every governor has

been able to be put to task to explain how the devolved funds are used for each financial year.

The senate has also been so quick in listening to impeachment motions against several governors

and discharge its verdict on time.

We have seen some county leaders being pressed on issues of mismanagement of funds; Senate has
thrived during times of crisis. The times of revenue formula and tussle with the National Assembly has
made Senate more visible. However, it began on a wrong footing where it was seen as a phantom House
with lesser responsibilities. Over time they’ve proven to be a crucial House of reckon. Senate watchdog
committees however needs to be more authoritative in oversights he Counties and all devolved functions.

40
 It was also reported that the discussions about the house business are always informed,

mature and exhaustive. Some senators are honest and they debate from their professional and

intellectual view. The senate is a bit reasonable, thorough in their work, neutral on law making,

sober, and there is a lot of coordination among the two houses in terms of team work hence

efficient cooperation as this is what determines the outcome of policies in our country.

Another respondent stated;

“I am impressed that Petitions and Statements are presented on a daily basis which ensure that issues
important to the common mwananchi are brought to the attention on relevant ministry or agency and
addressed.”
Moreover, the Senate has been more vibrant than the national assembly. They are able to

give directions and give an oversight County Governments’ development progress. In this

regard, the Senate has endeavored to come up with relevant legislation as well as amendments to

existing laws that resonate well with (address) Mwananchi needs.

On the other hand, factors that contributed to poor rating of the senate include; the notion

that its role has very little impact on devolution and the County Governments it is supposed to

protect. The senate seems to be stuck with national government politics while a lot of funds are

misused by the counties which the senate should oversight.

I have seen a pattern where between July 1 and September 30 of every financial year, the Senate is
usually engaged in fierce debate ostensibly over revenue, yet counties are for all purposes and intents
starved of cash. This is a missed opportunity for the Senate, to be more proactive to ensure that counties
get their allocations on time. It is no use lamenting like the governors that the National Treasury keeps
delaying the disbursement. The Senate must find a way to meaningfully censure the National Treasury, or
to come up with pragmatic solutions to ensure that this does not happen.

Therefore, it was suggested that the Senate should also step in to lobby the IGRTC on the

costing of functions to ensure that the funds follow the functions performed by either level of

Government.

41
 Out of touch with Kenyans as no policy has come from the senate that has life changing

impact on the citizenry. They did not seem to have the interest of the people at heart; some of the

respondents were angered by the recent impeachment of some governors which was

unsatisfactory handled by senate. According to the respondents, the senate has appeared toothless

and a passing by house/waiting room. The Senate needs to up on their delivery duties, define

exactly what their duties is and make citizens to deviate from the notion that Senate is all about

fighting the governors

“A good number of senators end up running for gubernatorial seats hence they just want to frustrate
governors to prove a point to the electorates thus not objective in their decision making.”

4.6 Impact of live broadcast of parliamentary proceedings on the public knowledge of

the legislative oversight role of the Senate

The third objective of the study sought to determine the Impact of live broadcast of

parliamentary proceedings on the public knowledge of the legislative oversight role of the senate.

Media System Dependency theory posits that the knowledge of the audience is as effect of

depending on the media for information.

4.6.1 Performance of the Senate on its oversight role

The study sought the opinion of the respondents on whether the Senate had succeeded in

execution of its mandate of legislative oversight. Majority of the respondents agreed that indeed

Senate succeeded in execution of its mandate of legislative oversight while a few respondents

held contrary opinion. On the question of rating the performance of the Senate on its oversight

role, results indicated that most respondents indicated the performance of the Senate on its

42
oversight role was good overall while a few of the respondents felt that Senate performance on

its oversight role was poor.

4.6.2 Impact of the live broadcast of Senate proceedings on action taken by the public

In determining the impact of the live broadcast of Senate proceedings on action taken by

the public, results showed that increased in public participation was the major impact with

majority of the respondent agreeing to this claim. Furthermore, results showed other impacts

including increased demand for service.

4.6.3 Effect of live broadcast of Senate proceedings on accountability and transparency

The study, further, sought to establish whether the live broadcast of Senate proceedings

promoted accountability and transparency. Most of the respondents agreed that live broadcast of

Senate proceedings promotes accountability and transparency. This is because the senators are

aware that Kenyans and international organizations are watching so they are careful as to how

they debate. Due to this reason, absenteeism is reduced and the Senators drive to make

contributions to debate. Through the live broadcast, the public can hold their senators

accountable by following their contributions at the floor of the house; it builds on Public’s

knowledge, impacts on public discourses and subsequently put pressure on performance; In the

case of this interrogating Misuse of public Funds, accountability and openness in recruitment and

questioning agreements between the two levels of government. In other words, it increases

public awareness on the registration process and inform public in selection of Leaders and at

some point, the normal mwananchi is able to understand how certain decisions are made.

43
 Following the live broadcasts, Senators know the public is watching, and therefore, they

have to carry out their roles with decorum. This is because, in live broadcasts, it is easy to tell

which senator honoured their promise made on the floor of the House. This helps the public

understand the role of their elected leaders and how they govern this country, help the fourth

estate to keeps government in check. It creates awareness to all citizens and at least we know

what is done there, therefore, through this live broadcasting, people have learned more about the

role of Senate in this country.

One of the respondents said;

“By having them live TV my discussing things of national interest hesitate to have their personal
interest and a result ‘wanjikus’ get the quality services required.”
Article 118 of the Constitution provides for public participation in legislative processes,

so Broadcasting gives a chance for everyone to get the knowledge of what happens and make

contributions via the channels of feedback communication. It creates awareness and brings on

board public to demand for more services, prudent use of resources or even initiate petitions to

demand for more accountability. In addition, it creates more awareness on devolution, allocation

of resources and mandates of the various devolved units thus the citizens are able to question

most of their decisions. The leaders especially Governors and Speakers are now being held

accountable by the public. Also, Kenyans able to know gaps to be worked on by executive or

County Governments.

On the other hand, a few of the respondents indicated that the live broadcast of Senate

proceedings does not promote accountability and transparency. They cited reasons such as

accountability does not amount to resources and policies oversight, most of the work is done at

the committee stage, while live proceedings do not provide a feedback mechanism from the

public. It was also noted that in Kenya the leaders are not scared of anything even if they are

44
monitored. There is no action taken even deliberations are made in senate. For example, it is not

clear why Governors have not been prosecuted despite of appearing before the Senate

Committees.

4.7 Discussion of Findings

This section discusses the findings above in relation to other research studies conducted.

The present study found out the impact of live broadcast of parliamentary proceedings on the

public knowledge of the legislative oversight role of the Senate. The study also confirms the

influence of live broadcast of the parliamentary proceedings on the execution of the legislative

oversight by the Senators and establish the influence of live broadcast of parliamentary

proceedings on audiences’ perceptions and attitudes on roles of Senators. The section is

organized as per the objectives and includes a comparison with other studies.

4.7.1 The impact of live broadcast of parliamentary proceedings on the public knowledge

of the legislative oversight role of the Senate

Live broadcasting of parliamentary proceedings is way and manner of delivering of

information by the senate to the people through various broadcasting channel. The study revealed

that increased in public participation was the major impact with most of the respondents agreeing

to this claim. Furthermore, results showed other impacts including increased demand for services

was supported some of the respondents. The study concurs with that of Walter Baker (quoted in

Clarke et al., 1980) who further highlighted public participation have increased public

knowledge, who remarks that "our constituents will certainly appreciate our tasks of grinding

45
and may be rejecting, as an insufficient study, the trendy skepticism that we have been

subjugated to sometimes."

Afterwards, TV was eventually deemed the best way to learn more about how the

parliament functions in public polling after the 1985 TV experiment in Six Months. Moreover,

the findings reinforce those of Wober (1990), who also point out that the average awareness of

the House’s work is expected to increase among the elite (with better knowledge and appropriate

viewing practices) on the television networks, in comparison with those who have no interest in

the new subject. In addition, Hon, then President of Kenya, according to USAID (2010). As a

leap to raise public understanding of parliamentary activities, expansion of public participation in

government, accountability and openness, Mr. Kenneth Marende saw broadcasting and

broadcasting parliamentary proceedings.

The public will be active in the national debate through access to Parliament's debates on

major national issues in real time and the obligation to track the government. The results also

support the findings of Wanjiku (2008), who stated that after the tests on live broadcasting of the

Kenya parliamentary proceedings, some Kenyans reiterated that it had contributed to increased

public interest and involvement in parliamentary work and the government. Lastly, the findings

showed that live parliamentary broadcasting had increased the public interest and work of

parliament, according to Wandera and Mugubi (2014), who produced a study on the impacts live

Parliament broadcasting has had on the understanding, attitude and perception of Kenyans in a

Kenya-based small town called "Ruiru." However, this curiosity was favoured by the top class.

A total of 53% of the population of Ruiru was 'very important' or 'fairly interested' in the work of

the Building.

46
4.7.2 The influence of live broadcast of the parliamentary proceedings on the execution of

the legislative oversight by the Senators

As stated earlier, Senate in Kenya provides legislative oversight to Devolved Governments by

scrutinizing the audited accounts of the County Governments as provided by the Office of the

Auditor General and approves or rejects the impeachment of Governors’ resolutions as passed by

the County Assemblies. The current study has stated how live broadcast of the parliamentary

proceedings have influenced the execution of the legislative oversight by the Senators. The study

identified and two key areas concerning the objective which included interest in senate and its

work and level of satisfaction with the performance of the senate. The research findings that

most of the interviewees were very interested in senate and its work. The results further indicated

that majority of the respondents were satisfied with the performance of the senate.

The results differ with those of Wandera and Mugubi (2012) who stated that the attitude

of the general public of Ruiru to Parliament was negative and that a majority of respondents

lacked confidence and satisfaction with the 10th Parliament and its work. On the case of

interested in the role of senate, the results differed with of Wandera and Mugendi (2012) who

carried a study where majority of Ruiru 's inhabitants were "very important" or "fairly

interested" in the work of and in Parliament. Few of the respondents in parliament and its work

were either "not much interested" or "not at all interested." In the upper class, the highest interest

was lower and in the lower class, the interest was lowest while was a few of the respondents

appreciated the parliament and its work. In the middle and high class, the parliament and its

activities were respectively highly respected. Therefore, the current results showed the

perception of people know what the senate entails have risen which have enabled them to be

satisfied with its role.

47
4.7.3 The influence of live broadcast of parliamentary proceedings on audiences’

perceptions and attitudes on roles of Senators

Audiences’ perceptions and attitudes on roles of Senators is how the people perceive and

understands the role played by the Senator. The perception of the audience on the roles on the

Senate is majorly articulated when their proceedings are broadcasted live. This objective focused

on the following key areas; frequency of watching live broadcasting proceedings, influence of

live broadcast on respondent’s knowledge, and influence of live broadcast on levels of

knowledge about Senate and its work. Results showed majority of people sometimes watched the

live broadcast of senate proceedings, this due to the fact that the live broadcast of the Senate

proceedings are scheduled for Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday on both KBC radio and

television from 2.30 p.m. to 6.30 p.m. Hence, many people can’t access full coverage of the

proceedings as 2.30 p.m. to 6.30 p.m. are working hour. In addition, results showed a majority

of respondents have a lot of knowledge on parliamentary procedures.

The results concur and differ depending on social class with those of Wandera and

Mugubi (2012), who suggested in their findings that the number of parliamentarians who created

a Parliament knew only a few of the lower classes respondents. Likewise, moderate number of

respondents of the Ruiru from the upper class at that time knew the name of the speaker against a

few of respondents in the lower class. Further, a majority of the high-ranking respondents

suggested that the Kenyan parliament should be kept properly, compared to the lower-class

respondents. Finally, results indicated that majority of the respondents had high level of

knowledge about the senate and its work, this is because of high media personnel involvement

which gives a full coverage of all governmental department and their role. The results also

48
support those of Beetham (2016) who stated that citizens have vague knowledge of the

parliamentary business therefore the media acts as a bridge between the parliament and the

citizenry. The media plays a role in making the populace to understand the working of the

parliament as an institution hence increasing the knowledge of the Senate and its roles.

49
 CHAPTER FIVE: SUMMARY, CONCLUSIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS

5.1 Overview

This chapter presents the summary of the study, conclusions based on the findings and

recommendations.

5.2 Summary

The broad objective of this study concerned, live broadcast of parliamentary proceedings and its

impact on the legislative oversight role of the senate of Kenya. The study also sought to

investigate the influence of live broadcast of the parliamentary proceedings on the execution of

the legislative oversight by the Senators, assessed the influence of live broadcast of

parliamentary proceedings on audiences’ perceptions and attitudes on roles of Senators. The

study was motivated by the fact that despite the introduction of live broadcast of the

Parliamentary Proceedings would create public awareness on the roles of parliament and

therefore open the Parliament to scrutiny educate and inform the public about the activities of

Parliament while creating public interest towards the oversight role of Parliament, no study has

been undertaken to find out how live broadcast have achieved their objectives to improve the

knowledge of the public on the role of the Senate role in legislative oversight. There were still

unanswered questions such as “has live broadcast of parliamentary proceedings promoted

understanding of the Senate business?” and “Has it enhanced the legislative oversight role of the

senate?”

The research used exploratory research design. A qualitative research approach was used

to yield logical and unbiased results. The approach was also used in order to have a greater

degree of accuracy and validity in the results of this study, thus strengthening the findings and

implications throughout the course of this research. Purposive sampling was used to identify the

50
respondents for qualitative data collection. In addition, other key Informants were selected for

interview were represented as follows: manager of the parliamentary broadcasting unit, CEO of

Mzalendo constitutional lawyers, former members defunct Committee of Experts that

participated in formulation of the Constitution of Kenya 2010, Members of County Assemblies,

Governors, Members of the National Assembly and members of the defunct Transitional

Authority.

Findings revealed that increased in public participation was the major impact. Other

impacts included increased demand for services. Furthermore, on the knowledge of live

broadcasting of parliamentary proceedings of the Senate, results showed majority of people

sometimes watched the live broadcast of senate proceedings. The results also indicated that

majority of the respondents had a lot of knowledge on parliamentary procedures, knowledge on

the duties of a Member of Parliament, and knowledge on Government policies. Moreover, the

results indicated majority of the respondents were very interested in senate and its work and were

satisfied with the performance of the senate.

5.3 Conclusion

This section covers the conclusions of this study based on research findings. The

conclusions are divided into two categories, namely: theoretical conclusions; and, empirical

conclusions.

This study was guided by three theories; Agenda Setting Theory, Gate Keeping Theory,

and Media System Dependency Theory. In the Agenda setting theory, the theory posits the

ability of the media to influence the public agenda, current affairs and how the presentation of

the media reportage affects the perceptions of public mind. The theory also attempts to make

51
predictions by instilling what the audience should think about rather than what they think about.

The frequency and how the prominence of the news is covered in the media makes the audience

to regard the news as the most important. The theory concludes that media does not reflect

reality but filters and shapes the agenda through a cognitive process known as “accessibility”.

Media provides information which is the most relevant food for thought, portraits the major

issues of the society and reflects people minds.

Gate keeping theory affirms the practice of journalism in relation to any activity on a

media platform concerning the choice or rejection of a broadcasting program and a publication

item. An attempt to understand the interface between information, communication channels and

the audience is part of its definition. It seeks to figure out what happens to information when it

moves through communication channels and how the audience receives it. The theory concludes

that in terms of behavior, meanings and information, these actions have an effect on the receivers

and that professionalism applied by different media houses is applied.

In the Media System Dependency Theory, the theory focuses on the goals of consumers

for media use as the basis of their reliance in the theory of the media system. The theory

concludes that the media, the viewer and the broad social structure are interconnected. The

audience is constrained in their learning from real life so that they can use media to get more

information to satisfy their requirements. A common use of media creates a dependent public

partnership. The inference is also drawn that the level of dependency is proportionate to the

capacity of the media to meet the requirements of the public. When the medium meets its needs,

a person becomes more dependent on the media. Media like KBC therefore attracts people by

offering content which meets the audience's understanding, entertainment and knowledge needs.

52
 The findings of this study confirm live broadcast of parliamentary proceedings and its

impact on the legislative oversight role of the senate of Kenya. The first objective of the study

sought to find out the impact of live broadcast of parliamentary proceedings on the public

knowledge of the legislative oversight role of the Senate. The Senate proceedings are live

broadcast that involves the roles and mandates of the Senate to the public. From the results, the

study concluded that the major impact of live broadcast of parliamentary proceedings is that it

enhances increased in public participation. Other impacts included increased demand for

services.

The second objective of the study was designed to investigate the influence of live

broadcast of the parliamentary proceedings on the execution of the legislative oversight by the

Senators. The Senate in Kenya is mandated to provide a legislative oversight to Devolved

Governments by scrutinizing the audited accounts of the County Governments as provided by

the Office of the Auditor General and approves or rejects the impeachment of Governors’

resolutions as passed by the County Assemblies. The objective focused on two key areas that is

interest in roles of the Senate and the satisfaction of the mandates of the Senate. The study

concluded that many people are very interested in senate and its work and were satisfied with the

performance of the senate.

The third objective sought to establish the influence of live broadcast of parliamentary

proceedings on audiences’ perceptions and attitudes on roles of Senators. As stated earlier,

Audiences’ perceptions and attitudes on roles of Senators is how the people perceive and

understands the role played by the Senator. The perception of the audience on the roles on the

Senate is majorly articulated when their proceedings are broadcasted live. This objective focused

on the following key areas; frequency of watching live broadcasting proceedings, influence of

53
live broadcast on respondent’s knowledge, and influence of live broadcast on levels of

knowledge about Senate and its work. From the stated objective, the study concludes that

sometimes the majority of the respondents watched the live Senate proceedings due to the

scheduled time. The study also concludes that many people had a lot of knowledge on

parliamentary procedures, knowledge on the duties of a Member of Parliament, and knowledge

on Government policies as a result of watching the live broadcast of the Senate proceedings.

5.4 Recommendation

In order to enhance live broadcast of parliamentary proceedings and its impact on the

legislative oversight role of the senate of Kenya, this study makes the following

recommendations in respective areas:

i. To enhance public knowledge on the legislative oversight of the Senate, this study

recommends the Senate to leverage on the Senate TV that is carried on signet platform,

the Senate should provide more content on the channel that currently only broadcasts the

live proceedings of the Senate.

ii. With coverage of Senate Committees and other Senate functions and events, the viewers

would be able to sharpen their knowledge on the Senate procedures and execution of their

mandates while shaping their perceptions and attitudes towards the roles of the Senate.

The current study found enhancing increased in public participation according to article

118 of the Constitution of Kenya as the major impact of live broadcast of Senate

proceedings. Since many people are very interested in senate and its work and were

satisfied with the performance of the senate, the study recommends the Senate to create

more channels that would promote awareness, so that the information concerning the

Senate proceedings may also reach to those people who can’t afford audio-vision media

54
 like televisions to follow the broadcast. There could also integrating the live broadcast on

other local TV channels in addition to KBC. Despite KBC broadcasting the Senate

proceedings, audiences have preferences when it comes to their favourite TVs/Radios

channels.

iii. The study recommends the Senate to record full coverage of the proceedings and air them

later so that it can reach to the people who could not follow the broadcast during the

scheduled time. Therefore leverage on the Senate TV platform to reach a wide range of

the audiences hence enhancing the publicity of the Senate proceedings resulting to high

frequency of awareness of the Senate business and execution of its roles as enshrined in

the Constitution of Kenya.

5.6 Suggestion for Future Research

The current study focuses on the live broadcast of parliamentary proceedings and its

impact on the legislative oversight role of the senate of Kenya. Hence researchers can conduct

the same study in National Assembly and its impacts on its roles of oversight, representation and

legislative, and compare their results with current results and see if the findings concur or differ.

The research was carried out during hard times of COVID-19 where the proceedings were

scheduled by having fewer members due to social distancing, hence the same study can be

conducted in Nairobi County after the pandemic has been controlled and compare perception of

the people concerning live broadcast of parliamentary proceedings and its impact on the

legislative oversight role of the senate of Kenya.

Researchers can also use mixed method design by adopting quantitative approach and

increase the sample size and cover a wider area and compare results. Researchers can also study

55
the impact of social media on the legislative oversight role of the Senate and investigate the

effects of social media on legislative oversight role and legislation role. Researchers can also

investigate and do comparative studies on the impact of live broadcast on the legislative

oversight role of the National Assembly and County Assemblies.

56
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Appendix I: Introduction Letter

School of Journalism and Mass Communication,

University of Nairobi
Dear Respondent,

Re: Research Study

I am a student of the University of Nairobi, pursuing a Master of Arts Degree in
Communication Studies. Currently I am in the process of undertaking research on the Live
Broadcast of Parliamentary Proceedings and Its Impact on the Legislative Oversight Role of the
Senate of Kenya
Herein attached is an interview guide that will enable me collect data to undertake the research
study. Kindly give the required information which will be used for academic purposes only.
Strict confidentiality will be observed.
Your cooperation will be highly appreciated.

Thank you,

Otiato Washingtone Andayi

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Appendix II: Interview Guide
Q1. Do you understand the role of the Senate? Please explain
Q2. How has the live broadcasting of Parliamentary proceedings influenced your knowledge on
the oversight role of the Senate?
Q3. What influence has the live broadcasting of Parliamentary proceedings have on your attitude
and perception towards the Senate and its work?
Q4. Do you think the live broadcast of Senate Proceedings promotes/hinders accountability and
transparency?
Q5. From the House proceedings you have watched, how satisfied are you with the performance
of the Senate? Please explain
Q6. What do you think is the impact of the live broadcast of senate proceedings on action taken
by the public?
Q7. Has Senate succeeded in execution of its mandate of legislative oversight?

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