State Department for Parliamentary Affairs Principal Secretary Aurelia Rono, has lauded the revolutionary amendments made to the Standing Orders of both Houses of Parliament.
The changes now allow Cabinet Secretaries to appear before the plenary of the National Assembly and Senate to respond to questions from Members of Parliament.
Rono said the amendments were significant saying they have bridged the information gap between citizens and the government.
She has 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 for clerks of committees and Parliamentary liaison officers in Mombasa, Rono said Parliament's oversight function was key in enhancing democracy.
“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,” Rono said.
She lauded Parliament for leveraging technology by publishing, on its website, tentative lists of Cabinet Secretaries set to address plenary on various questions raised by members.
The Principal Secretary highlighted that effective communication has been maintained with the relevant Parliamentary liaison officers.
“I’m 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 said.
Rono said her State Department has been actively revitalising the parliamentary liaison service.
“This is to ensure efficient and effective day-to-day dispatch of business that is mutually beneficial to both branches of government,” she said.
She said her department seeks to forge an efficient coordination mechanism that is paramount in fostering effective interrelationships between the two arms of Government.
“I’m pleased to advise that through this rejuvenation, Ministries, Departments, and Agencies have designated various serving officers as Parliamentary Liaison Officers," she said.
"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 to Parliamentary Questions.”
She hailed Parliamentary Liaison Officers (PLOs) for playing a facilitative role in the day-to-day business between Parliament and the Executive.
