Keynan Reflects on Parliament's Evolution and Challenges.
NAIROBI—Adan Keynan, the "Father of Parliament," has been an MP for 28 years. He was first elected in 1997.
In an interview with the Star, Keynan discussed how Parliament has changed. He said debate quality has declined due to more MPs and constitutional reforms.
These changes removed key leaders from Parliament. They included the Vice President, who led government business, and Ministers.
However, MPs can now freely sponsor motions and bills. The House also has more independence institutionally and financially.
Keynan shared insights on maintaining his constituency, the Gen Z invasion last year, and advice for young MPs.
In his twenties, he joined politics to fight marginalization and poverty. The arrest of his uncle by a chief pushed him to seek change.
"We must liberate these people," Keynan said. He started activism in high school and university before running for office.
Keynan built the first secondary school in his constituency and pushed for law changes and new administrative units.
Parliament has transformed from an executive appendage to a nearly independent body. It controls its calendar, staff, and budget.
"Parliament under the old Constitution was practically an extension of the executive," Keynan said. Staff were seconded from the executive.
Bold MPs established the Parliamentary Service Commission to free the House. Introducing private members' bills or motions was difficult in the 1990s.
Debate quality was high then despite challenges. "We had vibrant members," Keynan said. But the current high number of MPs has compromised debate.
Keynan criticized the current Constitution for its cost. It created many MPs and constitutional offices that burden taxpayers.
He blamed it for perceptions that the executive captures Parliament. Key leaders are no longer in the House.
The Gen Z breach of Parliament last year was a dark day for democracy, Keynan said. He slammed former President Kenyatta for inciting youth.
"Youth need opportunities, employment, education, school fees," Keynan said. He advised young MPs to respect the presidency even if they disagree.
Keynan champions stronger Kenya-Türkiye ties through the parliamentary caucus. He helped establish Kenya's embassy in Türkiye in 2012.
He is confident Raila Odinga will win the African Union Commission chairmanship. But he said Kenya is not reaching its potential globally.
"Kenya is supposed to be in the league of highly developed nations," Keynan said. "Where we are today is not our rightful place."
NAIROBI—Adan Keynan, the "Father of Parliament," has been an MP for 28 years. He was first elected in 1997.
In an interview with the Star, Keynan discussed how Parliament has changed. He said debate quality has declined due to more MPs and constitutional reforms.
These changes removed key leaders from Parliament. They included the Vice President, who led government business, and Ministers.
However, MPs can now freely sponsor motions and bills. The House also has more independence institutionally and financially.
Keynan shared insights on maintaining his constituency, the Gen Z invasion last year, and advice for young MPs.
In his twenties, he joined politics to fight marginalization and poverty. The arrest of his uncle by a chief pushed him to seek change.
"We must liberate these people," Keynan said. He started activism in high school and university before running for office.
Keynan built the first secondary school in his constituency and pushed for law changes and new administrative units.
Parliament has transformed from an executive appendage to a nearly independent body. It controls its calendar, staff, and budget.
"Parliament under the old Constitution was practically an extension of the executive," Keynan said. Staff were seconded from the executive.
Bold MPs established the Parliamentary Service Commission to free the House. Introducing private members' bills or motions was difficult in the 1990s.
Debate quality was high then despite challenges. "We had vibrant members," Keynan said. But the current high number of MPs has compromised debate.
Keynan criticized the current Constitution for its cost. It created many MPs and constitutional offices that burden taxpayers.
He blamed it for perceptions that the executive captures Parliament. Key leaders are no longer in the House.
The Gen Z breach of Parliament last year was a dark day for democracy, Keynan said. He slammed former President Kenyatta for inciting youth.
"Youth need opportunities, employment, education, school fees," Keynan said. He advised young MPs to respect the presidency even if they disagree.
Keynan champions stronger Kenya-Türkiye ties through the parliamentary caucus. He helped establish Kenya's embassy in Türkiye in 2012.
He is confident Raila Odinga will win the African Union Commission chairmanship. But he said Kenya is not reaching its potential globally.
"Kenya is supposed to be in the league of highly developed nations," Keynan said. "Where we are today is not our rightful place."
