The Liaison Committee has paid a glowing tribute to Ms. Florence Abonyo, the Director of Audit, Appropriations, and General Purpose Committees, as she prepares to exit the parliamentary service.

Members of the Committee shared their commendations during their regular weekly meeting on Tuesday. The Committee, which comprises Chairpersons from the 44 Committees of the National Assembly and is chaired by Deputy Speaker Hon. Gladys Boss, hailed Ms. Abonyo for her exemplary service to the National Assembly, over the decades.

The matter was brought to the floor by the Session Chair, Hon. Martha Wangari, who also serves as the First Chairperson of the Chairpersons' Committee (The Speaker's Panel).

"I wish to bring it your attention that among the agenda items for today's meeting is the opportunity to bid goodbye to one of the longest serving officers of the National Assembly, Ms. Florence Abonyo, the Director of Audit, Appropriations and General Purpose Committees whose tour of duty ends later this week", Hon. Martha announced.

"İt is indeed delightful to note that you have served this institution for 34 years. Congratulations Ms. Abonyo. You've done very well, and am sure these Members have interacted with you one way or another can attest to your commitment to your work”, she added.

Recounting her initial interactions with Ms. Abonyo during the 11th Parliament while serving in the Senate, Hon. Wangari offered high accolades to the outgoing Director and wished her the best in the next chapter of her life.

Offered an opportunity to make her valedictory remarks to the Committee, Ms. Abonyo expressed her gratitude to the Chairpersons for their enduring support throughout her tenure. She went ahead to introduce a team of officers, led by her Deputy, Mr. Nicholas Emejen, who are set to take over her responsibilities once she exits the service.

"Thank you Hon. Chair for granting me an opportunity to express my gratitude to the Liaison Committee for their support throughout my service. I purposed to attend this meeting today as I wind up my tour of duty to express my gratitude to all of you for your collaboration and also to introduce the team of officers who will be taking over from me”, she informed the Members.

Tracing her journey serving at the helm of the Directorate of Committees, Ms. Abonyo explained how the Directorate had evolved to its current status. 

“I started interacting with Chairpersons of all Committees in 2013 when I was appointed to the position of Director, until 2020, when the Directorate was split into two due to much workload”, she recalled.

Taking the Committee down memory lane, she recounted her first deployment to the Public Investments Committee, then chaired by the late Hon. George Anyona (Kitutu Masaba). 

She also shared insights into the evolution of the Committee Directorates and how they had adapted to emerging legislative issues over the years.

Hon. Caroli Omondi, Chairperson of the Constitution Implementation Oversight Committee, fondly recalled their university days together.

"I recall that we were together in the Class on 1990 at the University of Nairobi and ours has been the most consequential class. You have done well and flown the flag high for our class and we wish you well in your future endeavours", he stated.

Other Members who shared their tributes included Hon. Yusuf Adan Haji (National Cohesion and Equal Opportunity) and Hon. Kareke Mbiuki (Environment, Forestry, and Mining). 

Hon. Mbiuki underscored the crucial role of the Directorate in coordinating House operations, noting that Ms. Abonyo steered the agenda with distinction.

Hon. Irene Mayaka, Chairperson of the Committee on Regional Integration, thanked the Director for mentoring Members, particularly those leading committees for the first time.

"Director has been like my Parliamentary mum always guiding us. Serving in one institution for 34 years in one organization is no mean feat. İt's a demonstration of the dedication you have had for Parliament. You indeed have made your mark in the contribution of the growth of Parliament" noted Hon. Mayaka.

These sentiments were echoed by Hon. Haika Mizighi (Diaspora and Migrant Workers Committee), while Hon. (Dr.) James Nyikal (Health) singled out Ms. Abonyo’s strict guidance for streamlining committee operations. Hon. Raphael Wanjala also shared warm memories of working with her since he was first elected in 1997.

The Chairperson of the Sports Committee Hon. Dan Wanyama described her impact as both firm and professional.

"She's a firm and fair officer who has done her job diligently”, he noted.

Hon. George Murugara also congratulated her for spearheading Committee operations and mentoring the younger generation of parliamentary officers. 

Given her wealth of experience, Hon. Gideon Mullyungi (Decentralized Funds Accounts Committee) suggested that her expertise remains a vital asset to the nation.

"Florence is an extra-ordinary lady. When I look at her, I can tell that she's not tired. We cannot afford to lose her experience and we should recommend her to the president so we can continue tapping into her rare experience as a nation", observed Hon. Mullyungi.

Ms. Abonyo officially exits the Parliamentary service tomorrow, Thursday, February 19, 2026. 

Her distinguished 34-year career saw her rise from the rank of Clerk Assistant III to Director of Committees.