Parliamentary Strengthening Program - Kenya Democratic Institution Building Assistance to the National Assembly

The objective of this activity is to increase the Parliament of Kenya's ability to (1) effect legal, political and constitutional reforms that would positively impact on economic development and the democratization process in Kenya; (2) act as an arena for citizens' input in public policy and legislative formation, and articulate the concerns of ordinary citizens about important local and national issues; and (3) oversee and monitor the policies and actions of the executive branch of government. Activities include: drafting a parliamentary development plan, implementing the legislative development plan, and strengthening the representation and oversight functions of Parliament. A full technical assistance team is in place carrying out a gamut of advisory services on the modernization plan; study tours within the eastern Africa region, to the Philippines on legislative oversight, and to the US to examine legislative services; participation by the Speaker at the National Speakers Conference (S. Carolina) in 2001; workshops and seminars on Change Management, the 2001/2 Budget, the 2001/2002 Finance Bill; and technical assistance activities such as development of a directory of NGOs, parliamentary informational brochures for adults and children, an internship program at the Assembly, and a Committee Resources Directory.