The Transitional National Legislature of South Sudan is in Kenya to learn from the Parliamentary Commission’s operations. Led by Chairperson Stephen Ajongo Akol, the aim is to improve effectiveness in legislative functions. PSC Chairperson Moses Wetangula expressed support for South Sudan, emphasizing Kenya’s historical role. South Sudanese lawmakers admired Kenya’s parliamentary structures and plan to adapt several practices.
The Transitional National Legislature of South Sudan is currently in Kenya to study the operations of the Parliamentary Commission (PSC). According to the National Assembly’s statement, this newly established commission aims to improve its efficiency in legislative and oversight functions. Chairperson Stephen Ajongo Akol is leading the team, which includes several Members of Parliament from South Sudan, on this benchmarking mission.
On March 12, the commission was welcomed by PSC Chairperson Moses Wetangula at the Parliament buildings. Akol stated, “We are here for benchmarking; our commission is new,” emphasizing the desire to learn from Kenya’s best practices in parliamentary operations.
Wetangula reflected on his previous role as Kenya’s Foreign Minister during South Sudan’s independence in 2011, reaffirming Kenya’s commitment to supporting the nation. He noted, “Your country was midwifed in Kenya. The peace you enjoy today is, in many ways, a product of Kenya’s dedication to ensuring stability in the region. We will be proud when you succeed.”
He encouraged South Sudan to engage with the Centre for Parliamentary Studies and Training (CPST) to further develop their parliamentary systems. Nyandarua MP Faith Gitau emphasized the significance of treating all commission members equally, stating, “PSC serves all members irrespective of their political parties. We treat them equally, not equitably.”
The South Sudanese officials expressed their admiration for Kenya’s parliamentary framework, noting advancements in governance reforms and legislative efficiency. They also indicated plans to incorporate beneficial practices from Kenya’s parliamentary management, including legislative drafting services. South Sudan’s MP Wani remarked, “If we are to undertake significant reforms, we must look to Kenya. We have learned invaluable lessons from this visit.”
In summary, the South Sudanese delegation’s visit to Kenya reflects their commitment to enhancing their parliamentary system. By learning from Kenya’s established parliamentary practices, they hope to implement effective legislative and oversight functions. The collaboration underscores a long-standing support relationship between the two nations, facilitating knowledge exchange and development in governance.
Original Source: www.kenyans.co.ke
