Transitional National Legislature of the Republic of South Sudan seeks Speaker Wetang’ula’s support in operationalising newly established commission

𝐖𝐞𝐝𝐧𝐞𝐬𝐝𝐚𝐲, 𝟏𝟐𝐭𝐡 𝐌𝐚𝐫𝐜𝐡, 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟓
𝐏𝐚𝐫𝐥𝐢𝐚𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭 𝐁𝐮𝐢𝐥𝐝𝐢𝐧𝐠𝐬 

Kenya’s Parliamentary Service Commission continued to set the standards for democratic legislatures as evidenced by a visit of the sister commission of the Transitional National Legislature of the Republic of South Sudan for a benchmarking mission, as they sought to enhance the effectiveness of its newly constituted commission so that it strengthens the legislative and oversight functions of its Parliament.

National Assembly Speaker Hon. (Dr.) Moses Wetang’ula in his capacity as the Chairman of the Parliamentary Service Commission hosted the delegation led by its Chairman Hon. Stephen Ajongo Akol who expressed their readiness to learn from Kenya’s commission which has become a pace setter within the region and the Continent.

“We are here for benchmarking, our commission is new” said Hon. Akol.

Other members of the delegation included: Hon. Mary Wani, Hon. Regina Richard Aban, Hon. Regina Joseph Kaba, Hon. John Orach Nyakera, Hon. Dominic Bandima, Hon. Henry Amoko Moini, and Hon. James Thiam Lua

“We saw that PSC (Kenya) has the best practice, we came to look at how to do it practically,” added Hon. Wani as her counterpart Hon. Regina Aban stressed their quest to rise to the level Kenya had reached in achieving democracy.

Speaker Wetang’ula while acknowledging the Republic of South Sudan’s position as EAC’s and the World’s youngest Republic which Kenya played a crucial role in facilitating peace efforts that birthed the Republic said he was ready to lend a helping hand. Reflecting on the July 9, 2011, independence celebrations in Juba, where he stood alongside the UN Secretary-General as Kenya’s Foreign Minister, Wetang’ula recalled Kenya’s unwavering support in brokering the Comprehensive Peace Agreement (CPA).

“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, we will be proud when you succeed,” he remarked

As Chairman of the Parliamentary Service Commission, the Speaker, reaffirmed his commitment to supporting them in developing robust parliamentary systems encouraging them to visit the Centre for Parliamentary Studies and Training (CPST), a premier resource hub for capacity building and training of Members of Parliament (both national and county) and parliamentary staff on effective legislative practices.

“We are regularly visited by colleagues from the Continent, we also visit other jurisdictions to share best practices,” the Speaker added.

The Speaker was joined by Commissioners Sen. Wahome Wamatinga (Nyeri) and Hon. Faith Gitau (Nyandarua) who lead the Committees on ICT and Staff Welfare respectively.

“PSC serves all members irrespective of their political parties” said Gitau as the Speaker stressed, “We treat them equally not equitably”.

The visiting South Sudanese delegation went on to express admiration for Kenya’s parliamentary structures, particularly the Parliamentary Service Commission (PSC) specifically advancements in parliamentary independence, governance reforms, and legislative efficiency.

"If we are to undertake significant reforms, we must look to Kenya. We have learned invaluable lessons from this visit," said Hon. Wani.

The South Sudanese officials praised Kenya’s model of parliamentary management, from staff welfare to legislative drafting services, and indicated their interest in mirroring similar structures in their own governance framework.

Speaker Wetang’ula detailed the evolution of Kenya’s Parliamentary Service Commission, which transitioned from presidential control to an independent entity following the 2010 Constitution. He highlighted how this autonomy has strengthened legislative functions, ensured MPs' welfare, and promoted public participation in lawmaking.

"Before 1997, Parliament was entirely under the Office of the President. MPs could be debating, only to hear on the news that Parliament had been dissolved. Today, our commission controls its own calendar and affairs without external interference," he explained.

The PSC oversees the operations of the bicameral Parliament, cutting across MPs’ salaries and welfare to the operation of constituency offices, legislative research, and training. Wetang’ula emphasized the upcoming transformation of the Center for Parliamentary Studies and Training (CPST), set to become one of Africa’s premier institutions for legislative capacity-building.

The visit underscored Kenya and South Sudan’s shared parliamentary interests, with Wetang’ula assuring the delegation of Kenya’s continued support in capacity-building. He extended an invitation for further engagements, including reciprocal visits to deepen collaboration.

"Your visit today cements our commitment to working together. Kenya remains your home, and we will continue supporting South Sudan in its democratic journey," he concluded.

The discussions signaled a step forward in fostering legislative diplomacy, reinforcing Kenya’s role as a mentor in the region’s democratic development. With the Republic of South Sudan keen on adopting parliamentary best practices, the engagement marks a pivotal moment in strengthening governance structures across East Africa.