Principal Secretary of the State Department for Parliamentary Affairs, Ms. Aurelia Rono, Monday lauded the revolutionary amendments made to the Standing Orders of both Houses of Parliament.
These changes now allow Cabinet Secretaries to appear before the plenary of the National Assembly to respond to questions posed by Members of Parliament.
Rono emphasized the significance of these amendments, emphasizing how they have bridged the information gap between citizens and the government.
She underlined the pivotal role of Parliamentary Questioning in advancing principles of good governance, transparent leadership, and the restoration of public trust.
The Standing Orders define the framework for Parliamentary Questions and Statements, encompassing response procedures, timelines, notifications, and consequences for non-appearance.
Speaking at the inauguration of a three-day meeting between Clerks of Committees and Parliamentary Liaison Officers (PLOs) in Mombasa City, alongside the National Assembly Deputy Clerk, Jeremiah Ndombi, PS Rono stressed the vital role of Parliament’s oversight function in upholding democracy.
This, she said, includes among other functions providing a means to hold the Executive accountable for its actions and ensures alignment with legislated business and the aspirations of the Kenyan people.
“A robust oversight of the Executive by Parliament is a testament to good governance.
Beyond its legislative role, oversight empowers Parliament to maintain a balance of power and uphold its role as the guardian of the people’s interests,” Ms. Rono said.
Rono commended the amendments to the standing orders, noting that they have been followed by various proactive steps taken by the National Assembly to ensure the Executive provides adequate notice of upcoming Questions.
“As part of these proactive steps, the Clerk of the National Assembly has been dispatching notices regarding the scheduling of Parliamentary Questions to respective State Departments,” Rono stated.
“Parliament has leveraged on technology through the publication, on its website, of tentative lists of Cabinet Secretaries set to address plenary on various Questions raised by members.”
Throughout this process, the Principal Secretary highlighted that effective communication has been maintained with the relevant Parliamentary Liaison Officers.
“I am duly advised that there even exists an active Parliamentary Liaison Service WhatsApp Group, a space where the Executive has reduced time and space that had hitherto hampered turnaround times in the execution of Government business,” she emphasized.
Rono stated that her State Department has been actively revitalizing the parliamentary liaison service in Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs).
This is to ensure efficient and effective day-to-day dispatch of business that is mutually beneficial to both branches of Government, she said.
“This framework, she held, has been meticulously crafted to forge an efficient coordination mechanism that is paramount in fostering effective interrelationship between the two arms of Government.”
“I’m pleased to advise that through this rejuvenation, Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) have designated various serving officers as Parliamentary Liaison Officers (PLOs).
In turn, these liaison officers have by and large and through their selfless dedication to duty, demonstrated themselves to be a key cog in facilitating the responsiveness of their MDAs to Parliamentary Questions,” she held.
She hailed Parliamentary Liaison Officers (PLOs) for playing a facilitative role in the day-to-day business between Parliament and the Executive, as they have also demonstrated their crucial role in the day-to-day business within the Executive.
In his remarks, National Assembly Deputy Clerk Jeremiah Ndombi called upon Committee clerks and parliamentary liaison officers from state departments to cultivate harmonious relationships for effective governance and the betterment of citizens.
Ndombi likened their role to that of John the Baptist, who paved the way for the arrival of Jesus Christ.
“Clerks of Committees and Parliamentary Liaison Officers (PLOs) should emulate John the Baptist, preparing the path for the executive and legislative branches.
Just as John the Baptist was not the messiah but facilitated his arrival, our role is to facilitate members of parliament and members of the executive,” Mr. Ndombi emphasized.
He stressed that their duty is not to formulate policy but to pave the way for Cabinet Secretaries, Principal Secretaries, Chief Executive Officers, and Members of Parliament.
Ndombi encouraged camaraderie between parliament, state departments, and oversight bodies, advocating for proactive dialogue and cooperation rather than waiting for formal invitations or summonses.
“We should foster collaboration and mutual understanding, working towards the welfare of Kenyan citizens,” he advised.
Ndombi expressed parliament’s willingness to cooperate with forward-thinking individuals, emphasizing their commitment to facilitating members of the executive for the benefit of the nation.
ALSO, READ;
Kenyan Woman Arrested In Mumbai With 3.4 kg Gold Hidden In Her Innerwear
