PS Aurelia

PS called for enhanced Parliamentary-Executive Collaboration

News / Sun, 11/05/2023 - 12:09

The Principal Secretary of the State Department for Parliamentary Affairs, CPA Ms. Aurelia Rono, today officially opened a consultative meeting that brings together Committee Clerks from the National Assembly and Parliamentary Liason Officers from various State Departments.

The primary objective of this gathering is to enhance the collaboration and interactions between the Legislative and Executive branches of government.

Ms. Rono highlighted the constitutional changes that have reshaped the interactions between these two branches of government, particularly the Questions and Statements Framework and House Standing Orders introduced by the 2010 Constitution.

Amendments to the Standing Orders of both Houses now allow Cabinet Secretaries to respond to Questions from Members of Parliament.

The PS praised the proactive measures taken by the National Assembly to ensure the effective participation of Cabinet Secretaries in parliamentary activities.

She also emphasized the role of the State Department for Parliamentary Affairs in promoting collaboration between the National Executive and Parliament, including the appointment of Parliamentary Liaison Officers (PLOs) in Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs).

“These PLOs have demonstrated commitment to good governance by their responsiveness to Parliamentary Questions.” She said.

The PS encouraged open dialogue and reflection on ways to strengthen the relationship between the Executive and Parliament.

She invoked a Chinese saying, "The mirror is the most powerful source of power," to emphasize the importance of self-reflection in achieving the shared goal of elevating Kenyans from the challenges of poverty, ignorance, and disease.

The PS called upon participants to forge collaboration and synergy to deliver as a united team noting that the meeting represents a significant step towards fostering collaboration, transparency, and accountability between the Executive and Parliament, ultimately serving the interests of the Kenyan people.