South Sudan Parliament Delegation Visits Kenya for Guidance on Legislative Practices

The South Sudanese Transitional National Legislature has visited Kenya to learn from the Parliamentary Service Commission on improving parliamentary functions. Led by Stephen Ajongo Akol, their delegation is seeking effective practices and support from Kenya, highlighting existing collaborative ties and the significance of stability in the region.

The Transitional National Legislature of the Republic of South Sudan has traveled to Kenya to learn from the Parliamentary Service Commission (PSC) regarding parliamentary operations. This initiative aims to improve the effectiveness and oversight capabilities of the South Sudanese Parliament. The commission, led by Chairperson Stephen Ajongo Akol, was welcomed by PSC Chairperson Moses Wetangula during their visit on March 12.

Chairperson Akol stated, “We are here for benchmarking; our commission is new.” He was accompanied by several MPs, including Mary Wani and Regina Richard Aban, emphasizing the need to adopt best practices from the Kenyan system. Wetangula expressed support for South Sudan, recalling his involvement in the country’s independence and reaffirming Kenya’s commitment to assisting South Sudan.

He remarked, “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.” Wetangula also encouraged South Sudan’s leaders to engage with the Centre for Parliamentary Studies and Training to strengthen their legislative capabilities.

Nyandarua MP Faith Gitau emphasized the importance of equal treatment for commission members irrespective of their political affiliations, stating, “PSC serves all members irrespective of their political parties.” The South Sudanese delegation praised Kenya’s parliamentary structures, governance reforms, and overall legislative efficiency, expressing intentions to incorporate similar practices into their own parliamentary system. MP Wani concluded, “If we are to undertake significant reforms, we must look to Kenya. We have learned invaluable lessons from this visit.”

The delegation from South Sudan aims to enhance its parliamentary effectiveness by learning from the Parliamentary Service Commission in Kenya. Through benchmarking, engagements, and discussions with Kenyan legislators, they seek to adapt best practices that ensure equality, legislative efficiency, and governance reforms within their own system. The collaborative support between the two nations highlights a commitment to regional stability and the promotion of effective parliamentary functions.

Original Source: www.kenyans.co.ke