National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang’ula has urged new China Ambassador to Kenya Guo Haiyan to support Parliament’s digitization push for effective oversight of legislative processes.
Speaking during a courtesy visit, Wetang’ula, who is also the Parliamentary Service Commission chairman, acknowledged China’s pivotal role in Kenya’s development, particularly in infrastructure and technology transfer. saying Parliament should not be left behind.
“We must strengthen the parliamentary friendship group between the Central People’s Congress and our Parliament. This partnership can facilitate collaboration in areas such as legislative training, technological improvements, and digital transformation and facilitate our quest to have a paperless parliament,” Wetang’ula said.
The Speaker said the technological support would help in improving efficiency, record-keeping, and enhancing public engagement thereby ensuring Parliament effectively carries out its duties.
“Digitization of parliamentary processes is one area where we can work closely. Public engagement and record-keeping can greatly benefit from enhanced technology,” he said.
The Speaker also proposed the enhancement of bilateral parliamentary ties and called for a stronger Kenya-China Parliamentary Friendship Group, which would facilitate legislative exchanges, policy dialogues, and capacity-building programmes.
PARLIAMENTARY EXCHANGES
On her part, Amb Guo encouraged continued dialogue on the parliamentary exchanges.
“We have opportunities to engage further through workshops, leadership training, and digital governance initiatives,” Amb Guo said.
The discussions also touched on expanding educational and cultural exchanges, with Speaker Wetang’ula urging China to increase scholarship opportunities for Kenyan students. He emphasized the need to strengthen Mandarin language programmes in Kenyan institutions to prepare youth for opportunities in Chinese enterprises.
“The expansion of Confucius Institutes and Mandarin language training will equip our young people with skills needed in today’s global economy, especially as Chinese companies continue to expand their presence in Africa,” he said.
Kenya hosts four Confucius Institutes, one of them opened by Speaker Wetang’ula when he served as Foreign Minister. The institutes have played a key role in fostering cross-cultural learning and diplomatic ties between the two nations.
“China values its partnership with Kenya and remains dedicated to supporting key development initiatives in infrastructure, trade, and education,” she said.
Ambassador Guo expressed China’s commitment to deepening its relationship with Kenya, even as Wetang’ula lauded China’s contributions to Kenya’s economic growth, particularly through the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI).
“China has been a reliable development partner, supporting Kenya’s transformation through key infrastructure projects. We look forward to deepening this collaboration and ensuring sustained growth,” Wetang’ula said.
