UoN renews collaboration with Center for Parliamentary Studies and Training
Commission, Hon. J.B. Muturi and Vice-chancellor, Prof. Stephen Kiama Gitahi exchange
signed copies of the agreement.
The University of Nairobi has renewed its collaboration with the Centre for Parliamentary Studies and Training (CPST) for another 5 years to offer its fit for purpose and relevant programmes to Parliamentarians and Staff of Parliament. The programmes include Parliamentary democracy and governance, diplomacy and conflict management. Through the agreement, Members of Parliament and staff of Parliament will have the opportunity to acquire diplomas and post graduate qualifications from the University of Nairobi.
Speaking during the signing of the Memorandum of Understanding in the Chambers, the Speaker of the National Assembly who is also the Chairman of the Parliamentary Service Commission, Hon. J.B. Muturi, said that Parliament is proud and encouraged by the renewal of the MOU with the premier institution of knowledge in the region.
Under the agreement, the University of Nairobi through the Institute of Diplomacy and International Studies (IDIS) will support the Centre for Parliamentary studies and Training (CPST) through provision of relevant technical expertise in areas of training, research and publications. The University is expected to develop training programmes, curricula and capacity building projects for CPST.
The University will also support the CPST to become a leading regional hub for capacity building in areas of legislative studies and diplomacy for the benefit of Parliamentary democracy in the region.
The cooperation of the two institutions has greatly impacted in training and building capacities of Members of Parliament, Members of County Assemblies and members of regional parliaments to perform their duties effectively.
The Vice-chancellor, Prof. Stephen Kiama Gitahi, observed that the partnership with parliament will position the University for impact.
“The University will avail the requisite resources (Human and infrastructure) to build capacity of parliamentarians and enable them do excellent work,” said Prof. Kiama. “The University will accord parliament the opportunity, through its strategic partners, to access the best scholars and learning resources from across the globe.”
The Vice-chancellor reiterated that the University will continue to innovate and customize its training to meet the needs and work situations of parliamentarians. The University will deliver its programmes through asynchronous learning method to give parliamentarians the flexibility of learning at their free time and from any geographic location. Since the promulgation of the constitution 2010, the role of Parliamentarians and the County Assemblies have greatly changed.
The partnership between UoN and CPST has helped build the capacities of MPs and MCAs to perform their legislative and oversight roles. Regional Parliaments like Malawi and other East African countries have also been supported through CPST.
Present to witness the signing the agreement were Members of the Parliamentary Service Commission, Prof. Maria Nzomo from IDIS, Director of Legal Services, Collins Omondi, Director of Corporate Affairs, John A.O. Orindi, Director of Planning and Development, Dr. Grace Kiringa.
