President William Ruto has commended Parliament for bringing its services closer to the public, stating that the Government is progressively becoming more people-centric at all levels.

The President made these remarks as the week-long 2025 Agricultural Society of Kenya (ASK) Show concluded today at the Mukomani Showground in Nyali Constituency, Mombasa County.

Kenyans from various backgrounds visited the Parliament of Kenya's Stand at the Show, and the enthusiasm of schoolchildren dressed in the official attire of House Speakers and Clerks illustrated the Parliament's effort to simplify and demystify its processes.

Speaking at a mock parliament setup, President Ruto expressed his satisfaction with Parliament’s adherence to this people-centered approach.

The mock parliament featured Members of Parliament and public participants, including students who took on the roles of House Speaker and Clerk.

A total of 152 different schools visited the Parliamentary Service Commission (PSC) Stand, where some students participated in debates and question sessions, leading to medals and recognition for the winners.

Among the Schools that participated in the debate were: Nyali Primary School, Ganjoni Primary School, Khamisi High School, and Mtongwe.

President Ruto commented, "By educating citizens on the roles of their elected representatives, legislation, representation, and oversight, Parliament is directly connecting with Kenyans. The State House has also become more accessible to ordinary citizens. This embodies the Kenya-Kwanza 'Bottom Up' philosophy."

President Ruto defended his decision to engage with Kenyans from State House, stating, "Tom, Dick, Harry, Wangui, Nakhumicha, and many others are now welcome at State House because we believe in a people-centered government."

This initiative is part of Parliament's ongoing quest to bring its work closer to the public and to clarify legislative processes.

During his visit, President Ruto toured the PSC stand, accompanied by Senate Speaker Amason Kingi, Mombasa County Governor Abdulswamad Shariff Nassir, and several Members of Parliament.

Calls for a more robust legal framework to enhance agricultural production and expand local and regional markets for Kenyan farm and dairy products featured prominently in discussions at the show.

Throughout the week, Kenyans, especially schoolchildren, participated in a Mock House Session, deliberating on agricultural issues under the guidance of John Mutunga, Chairperson of the National Assembly Departmental Committee on Agriculture.

Mutunga stated that the mock parliament was a valuable initiative aimed at helping Members of Parliament connect with their constituents and address emerging societal issues, particularly in agriculture.

"This is a milestone in deepening public understanding of Parliament’s mandate," he said, adding, "It is beneficial to people across the country."

The event's final day was marked by excitement, curiosity, and active citizen participation.

Members of Parliament engaged in discussions about various agricultural issues, addressing ongoing legislative processes and proposing solutions to current and emergent challenges within the sector.

MP Jared Okello defended the leasing of sugar companies, explaining that the Government had grown impatient with the continuous bailouts and opted to lease the firms to the private sector.

He noted, "Given the substantial losses incurred by the sugar companies, the offers from the private sector were significant, as they aimed to manage these companies professionally."

Timothy Kipchumba (Marakwet West) mentioned that there were agreements regarding the retention of workers, new company registrations, and the payment of farmers' arrears to ensure continuity for the sugar companies.

Soy MP David Kiplagat observed that all agricultural functions are being devolved, but expressed concern that governors seem more enthusiastic about road functions than agricultural duties.

He highlighted that the total budget for the State Department of Crops is Shs. 69 billion, with Shs. 48 billion coming from donors to counties through the Treasury, facilitated by the Principal Secretary.

"Coordination from the National Government is crucial. We cannot devolve functions and then blame the National Government for hunger in the country. Let all devolved functions work for the benefit of Kenyans."

Harrison Owino, Chairperson of the Taskforce on Parliamentary Outreach and Public Engagement, emphasized the digital transformation of Parliament, stating, "As Parliament, we have come a long way. Most of our information has been digitized and is now accessible online."

The Parliamentary Service Commission (PSC) took part in the A.S.K Show as part of its mandate to fulfill the institution’s Pillar III of the 2019-2030 Strategic Plan on enhancing Public Trust.

An open, transparent, accountable, and people-centered parliament is the mantra of the Parliamentary Service Commission as captured in its strategic plan 2019-2030. 

In a meaningful engagement with the public, PSC observed that this is the surest way of connecting with the public and building trust.

This year’s event was themed “Promoting Climate Smart Agriculture and Trade Initiative.”