Wetang’ula challenges MPs to push Kenya’s agenda at Commonwealth conference

Nairobi, Kenya - National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang'ula has urged Kenyan MPs attending the 69th Commonwealth Parliamentary Conference in Cape Town to leverage the opportunity to advance Kenya's interests and share their parliamentary expertise with other Commonwealth nations. The week-long gathering enables legislators to exchange ideas, learn from other parliaments, and identify practices to bolster democracy, accountability, and legislative efficiency in Kenya.

Wetang'ula's remarks came after a meeting with the Kenyan delegation, during which he briefed them on the conference agenda and their engagements.

Kenya has been a dedicated member of the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association, and the conference provides a platform for MPs to deliberate on ideas that can enhance their legislative roles, bolster parliaments, and improve accountability, according to Wetang'ula. Over 700 parliamentarians from across the Commonwealth are participating in the conference, which is tackling challenges confronting legislatures and the citizens they represent.

The Speaker called for Kenyan legislators to go beyond mere participation and offer practical proposals on issues affecting parliaments worldwide. He emphasized the need for greater commitment from member states to strengthen the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association, asserting that closer collaboration is essential to foster responsive and accountable legislative institutions.

Wetang'ula also endorsed discussions on women's involvement in Parliament, urging Kenyan female MPs to seize the conference's networking opportunities and leadership positions to strengthen their contributions to public service.

Moreover, the Speaker supported efforts to make parliamentary institutions more accessible to legislators and citizens with disabilities by focusing on dismantling institutional and physical barriers that hinder their full participation in legislative processes. The conference will also address climate adaptation and resilience, the increasing use of artificial intelligence in parliamentary proceedings, and other pressing issues impacting legislatures.

Wetang'ula expressed gratitude to the Parliament of South Africa for hosting the event and affirmed that sustained collaboration among Commonwealth legislatures will strengthen parliamentary cooperation and knowledge exchange.