By Nyang’au Araka
A Kenyan delegation has intensified the country’s parliamentary diplomacy through a series of high-level engagements in the United Kingdom.
KPC has learnt that the activities are aimed at strengthening collaboration and amplifying the country’s voice within the Commonwealth.
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The delegation, drawn from the Senate’s Powers and Privileges Committee, held a strategic meeting with Stephen Twigg, Secretary-General of the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association, at the CPA Headquarters in Richmond House on Thursday.
The delegation included Speaker Amason Kingi and Senators Oburu Odinga and Essy Okenyuri.
The meeting focused on reinforcing inter-parliamentary dialogue and enhancing legislative cooperation among Commonwealth member states.
“I am honoured to have, alongside fellow members of the Powers and Privileges Committee, paid a formal courtesy visit to Stephen Twigg,” said Sen. Okenyuri.
“Our engagement underscored the significance of embracing inter-parliamentary dialogue and strengthening legislative institutions as pillars of democracy in the 21st century.”
She noted her role on the CPA Executive Committee, describing the association as “a platform where Commonwealth legislatures converge to share expertise, foster democratic norms, and advance constitutionalism, the rule of law, and the protection of fundamental rights and freedoms.”
In a separate engagement, the delegation paid a courtesy call on Kenya’s High Commissioner to the United Kingdom, Maurice Makoloo, at Kenya House in London.
Their discussions explored opportunities for closer collaboration between Parliament and Kenya’s foreign missions.
According to Sen. Okenyuri, the meeting emphasized “the critical role of parliamentary diplomacy in advancing national interests and promoting Kenya’s voice within the Commonwealth space and the international arena.”
The UK visit marks a significant step in Kenya’s efforts to leverage parliamentary channels to build strategic partnerships, influence global governance conversations, and deepen bilateral and multilateral cooperation.
Okenyuri noted that such engagements not only enhance Kenya’s international presence but also reinforce democratic values through shared learning and institutional strengthening.
“These engagements remain instrumental in strengthening Kenya’s strategic presence abroad while deepening cooperation anchored on mutual respect, shared values and a common vision for progressive and inclusive governance,” Okenyuri added.
