Mombasa: The Parliamentary Service Commission (PSC) is actively integrating emerging technologies, including Artificial Intelligence (AI), to streamline operations, minimize paperwork, and improve public engagement in the bicameral parliament. Speaking at the PSC stand during the Mombasa International A.S.K Show, Harrison Owino, the chairperson of the Parliamentary Taskforce Committee, emphasized the commitment to digitizing parliamentary content.
According to Kenya News Agency, Owino highlighted the use of AI in various applications to reach a wider audience, including many Kenyans and other stakeholders, at a reduced cost. He noted that social media platforms are also being utilized to engage with younger demographics. The PSC is in the final stages of preparation for the five-day A.S.K. show, where they will present a mock chamber demonstrating official parliamentary procedures.
This year's mock chamber will provide students and the public with the opportunity to experience roles such as Speaker, Member of Parliament, Clerk of Parliament, and Sergeant-At-Arms, offering a realistic simulation of House sittings. Owino expressed the importance of showcasing the bicameral parliament's work and highlighted plans for a media round-table on the Budget-Making process, to be broadcast live from the PSC stand.
Owino stressed the significance of connecting parliament with the people, aiming for inclusive public involvement in parliamentary processes. For the first time at an A.S.K. show, parliament will demonstrate the practical use of the August House chambers in debates. Four schools from the coast region have been invited to engage in debates on climate change-related themes.
The Chairman explained that through parliamentary debates, legislation and policies supporting climate change and sustainable economic growth are developed, influencing agricultural activities, a key economic sector. Members of the Agriculture and Broadcasting committees, along with PSC Commissioners, have been invited to discuss the Mombasa International show theme, "Promoting Climate-Smart Agriculture and trade initiatives for sustainable economic growth," and regional issues.
The PSC stand will also feature an exhibit on the history of parliament, tracing its evolution from 1907 with seven members to the current 349 Members of the National Assembly and 67 members of the Senate. The PSC plans to extend these educational initiatives to all counties, offering learners and the general public insights into parliamentary operations without the need to travel to the capital city.
Owino stated, "The reason that we have come down here is that we want to limit students coming to Nairobi to see what is happening in parliament. Once they come here, they will get that experience."