The Parliament of Kenya has marked an important milestone as its Centre for Parliamentary Studies and Training (CPST) in partnership with the McGill University by celebrating the graduation of ten (10) women Members of Parliament from both the Senate and the National Assembly in a course titled Parliamentary Practices: Mainstreaming Gender Equality and Women’s Empowerment (GEWE) Programme.

The partnership, which began in 2016, has steadily grown to deliver flagship courses, including Contemporary Issues in Parliamentary Governance and, most recently, the GEWE Programme.

The ceremony was presided over by the Deputy Speaker of the National Assembly, Hon Gladys Boss. While delivering the Speaker’s message, she underscored the significance of the course, calling it an "incubator of equitable and progressive governance.

She reflected on her own journey in leadership, noting that the hurdles she faced as a woman entering public life fuelled her drive to pursue education and to champion gender issues. 

She explained that these experiences strengthened her resolve to create pathways for other women to rise and to ensure that institutions become more inclusive.

She went on to note that when women legislate, they legislate for society as a whole adding that, "the conversation on gender mainstreaming must take place across all sectors, not just within Parliament, if the society is to prosper in any way."

The eleven (11) week virtual programme, which took place from May to August 2025, blended global expertise with Kenyan parliamentary experience. 

It equipped Members with practical tools to lead on gender responsive policy, institutional reform, and legislation that centres on people and communities.

Speaking during the ceremony, the Chairperson of the Centre for Parliamentary Studies and Training (CPST) Board, Hon Rachael Ameso Amollo, commended the legislators for completing the intensive training course on mainstreaming Gender Equality and Women’s Empowerment.

She praised their commitment, noting that many of them balanced demanding professional schedules and family responsibilities while still engaging fully in the programme.

Hon Ameso, who also serves in the Parliamentary Service Commission, highlighted on the need to foster a safe and inclusive parliamentary environment.

“We need to strengthen internal policies and establish an independent Gender Mainstreaming Unit, trusted space where cases of harassment or discrimination can be reported and resolved swiftly to safeguard Members and staff, ensuring that everyone who serves within Parliament feels safe, heard, and valued,” she said.

She further stressed on the need to integrate Artificial Intelligence into CPST programmes so as to strengthen informed decision making within Parliament.

“AI presents enormous opportunities, and investing in tailored training is essential for strengthening parliamentary effectiveness,” she said.

Hon Ameso reminded the graduates that the programme is not simply a certification. "It is a call to action." She urged them to continue championing gender equality and to apply the knowledge gained to drive positive change in their legislative work.

The graduates are Sen Joyce Korir, Hon Beatrice Elachi, Hon Martha Wangari, Sen Veronica Maina, Sen Tabitha Mutinda, Sen Agnes Muthama, Sen Hamida Kibwana, Hon (CS) Irene Mayaka, Hon Sabina Chege, and Sen Esther Okenyuri.