Wetang’ula urges Kenyan MPs to advance National interests at Commonwealth Conference

National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang’ula has urged Kenyan legislators attending the 69th Commonwealth Parliamentary Conference to use the gathering to advance Kenya’s interests while sharing the country’s parliamentary experience with lawmakers from across the Commonwealth.

Wetang’ula told the Kenyan delegation in Cape Town that the conference offered an opportunity to exchange ideas, examine how other legislatures operate and identify practices that could strengthen democracy, accountability and legislative effectiveness in Kenya.

He spoke after meeting members of the Kenyan delegation and briefing them on the conference programme and its key engagements.

The Speaker urged the legislators to take an active role in the discussions rather than simply attend, arguing that Kenya had an established record of contributing to Commonwealth parliamentary affairs.

“Kenya has been an active member of the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association and this conference provides an opportunity for you to deliberate on ideas that can strengthen our legislative roles, reinforce parliaments and enhance accountability,” Wetang’ula said.

The weeklong conference has brought together more than 700 parliamentarians from across the Commonwealth to consider challenges confronting legislatures and the citizens they represent.

For Kenya, Wetang’ula said, participation should translate into practical ideas that could help address common institutional challenges and strengthen parliamentary cooperation among member states.

He also called for greater commitment by Commonwealth countries to strengthening the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association, saying deeper cooperation was necessary to build legislative institutions that are more responsive and accountable.

Women’s political participation is also among the issues being discussed at the conference. Wetang’ula said the forum could help legislators examine the political and institutional barriers that continue to limit women’s participation in leadership and parliamentary processes.

He encouraged Kenyan women lawmakers to use the conference to build professional networks, pursue leadership opportunities and exchange experiences with their counterparts from other Commonwealth countries.

“I encourage our female legislators to take advantage of the opportunities available through this conference, including leadership positions and networking platforms that can enhance their contributions to public service,” he said.

Wetang’ula also supported efforts to make parliaments more accessible to persons with disabilities, saying discussions on the participation of lawmakers living with disabilities should focus on removing institutional barriers that prevent them from taking part fully in legislative work.

The conference is also examining climate adaptation and resilience, the use of artificial intelligence in parliamentary processes and other emerging challenges confronting legislatures.

The discussions come as parliaments across the Commonwealth face growing pressure to adapt to technological change while maintaining public accountability and ensuring that legislative institutions remain accessible and representative.

Wetang’ula thanked the Parliament of South Africa for hosting the conference, saying the gathering would provide an opportunity to deepen cooperation and strengthen ties among Commonwealth legislatures.