Eight Starehe Boy’s Centre students took part in a two-week voluntary service scheme in a Programme by the Parliament of Kenya through the office of the Clerk of the Senate in a bid to educate and inspire the future endeavors of young men and women from the 5th to the 16th august 2024. This enabled the students to be accustomed to the legislative processes and the inner workings of parliament.

This article aims to offer an insightful account of their experiences in the incredible academic holiday at Parliament.

The students were taken through the roles Parliament plays in upholding Kenya’s democracy, gaining valuable insights into the roles and responsibilities of members, the political and administrative side of parliament and how the Parliamentary staff are able to deliver on their mandates through various offices and directorates.

This was achieved through daily attachments to different directorates that gave the students a unique opportunity to work hand in hand with the professionals.

Felix Salaton (Capt.), Ian Mumo and Favour Bright at the

directorate of Hansard and Audio Services

A guided tour of Parliament buildings allowed students to explore the chambers of both the Senate where they got recognized at the Speaker’s gallery by the Rt. Hon. Amason Jeffer Kingi, Speaker of the Senate and in the National Assembly, committee rooms, and all key areas. They had the opportunity to interact with seasoned parliamentary service officers, asking vital questions and gaining a deeper understanding of all the inner workings.

The visit also included informative lessons on the Constitution, governance and different roles between the two houses of parliament. Officers shared their knowledge, inspiring the students to become active, engaged citizens and diligent future public servants.

Our good experiences in the parliament cannot be

summarized fully in this article. Therefore, we would all like to

thank all those who fueled the success of our service in

parliament and specifically, the senate. Parliament has offered

us many opportunities to learn and meet some of the most-

high officials in our republic. In this case the Liaisons Office is

exceptional in the manner it welcomed and handled us while in

the parliament. In a nut-shell, we would all like to thank all the

staff and officials working in the parliament.

                                                           Ian Mumo

The experience was inspiring for many students as intended and illuminated their insight and understanding of public service. They expressed their gratitude for the opportunity to be part of this experience and had this to say in a brief recap of their time here at Parliament;

Parliament appreciates the Institution and the students for the opportunity to offer mentorship.