According to Moses Wetang’ula, Speaker of the Kenyan National Assembly, Kenya and Zambia both have a history of political upheaval that must be incorporated into the creation of a new Africa by deepening their bilateral ties.
Wetang’ula urged improved bilateral relations between African parliaments, arguing that cooperation would advance the region’s legislative agenda and foster strategic growth.
He noted that the Kenyan and Zambian parliaments had over the years enjoyed a friendly relationship during a parliamentary bilateral engagement with Zambian Speaker Nelly Mutti, who paid him a courtesy call at the Parliament building.
“Zambia has been a friend to Kenya, we share a lot in common and both our two countries are tourism destinations hence we still have a lot we can do together given the goodwill and opportunities,” he said.
Wetangula addressed the group from Zambia noting that the House Business Committee, which was created in accordance with Standing Order 171 of the National Assembly, is where the bulk of the House’s business is conducted.
“The House Business Committee (HBC) is the ultimate authority of the affairs of the House,” he said.
He pointed out that, among other things, the HBC is tasked with creating and approving the parliamentary schedule and supervising the execution of associated programs and House business.
The Speaker stressed the functions of the National Assembly while also pointing out that the August House’s primary responsibilities included budget creation and project oversight.
Speaker Mutti applauded the warm welcome given to Wetang’ula and stated that the Zambian team was in Kenya to observe how the HBC operates.
She mentioned that one of the National Assembly’s four housekeeping committees is Zambia’s House Business Committee.
“Our coming here is a testament of the good parliamentary relations. Members of Parliament and staff of our respective Parliaments have on numerous occasions exchanged visits for purposes of learning and sharing best practices,” said Speaker Nelly.
The Speakers pledged to encourage their respective Houses’ members who participate in exchange programmes.
“We want to take our engagements further and have a fordable friendship group among the members to carry on the work of the work of the two Parliaments,” said Speaker Nelly.
The Speaker proposed the establishment of the Kenya-Zambia legislative Friendship Group, which they claimed would serve as the foundation for future discussion of legislative matters and joint activities of the two Parliaments.
The House Business Committee of the National Assembly of Zambia is a House Keeping Committee, according to Speaker Nelly, and has the responsibility of selecting the matters for the House to discuss. It is presided over by the Speaker and is made up of the House leadership.
The Zambian delegation included MPs Stafford Mulusa, Brian Mundubile, Stephen Kampyongo, Patriotic Front, Jay Banda, Kampamba Mulenga, Clement Andeleki, Roy Ngulube. The Kenyan delegation included MPs Robert Mbui, Omboko Miremba, Silvanus Osoro, TJ Kajwang’, Sheikh Kassim and Clerk of the National Assembly, Samuel Njoroge.