Kenya's National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang'ula advised Nigerian lawmakers about constitutional reform during a recent parliamentary visit. He told the delegation how Kenya spent over a decade creating its current constitution. The Speaker shared lessons from Kenya's difficult path to democratic change. Nigerian committee members came to learn from Kenya's experience with constitutional development. Wetang'ula emphasized that public participation drives successful reform efforts.
Kenya began its constitutional journey with parliamentary group reforms in 1996. The first referendum attempt failed in 2005 because of political divisions. Wetang'ula explained that devolution became the key factor for final approval. Citizens wanted power moved from central government to local communities. The constitutional convention lasted six months at Bomas of Kenya.
The Speaker acknowledged ongoing challenges with gender representation requirements. Kenya still struggles to achieve the two-thirds gender rule despite constitutional mandates. Women lawmakers increased from three members in 1992 to current levels. Cultural resistance continues to block progress on gender equality measures. Courts declared Parliament unconstitutional for missing gender targets but enforcement remains difficult.
Nigerian delegation leader Julius Ihonvbere praised Kenya's honest assessment of constitutional reform. The visitors gathered valuable insights for their upcoming reform process back home. Both countries agreed to establish a Parliamentary Friendship Group for continued cooperation. Wetang'ula promised to share Kenya's constitutional archives with Nigerian reformers. The exchange demonstrates how African nations can learn from each other's democratic experiences.
Kenya began its constitutional journey with parliamentary group reforms in 1996. The first referendum attempt failed in 2005 because of political divisions. Wetang'ula explained that devolution became the key factor for final approval. Citizens wanted power moved from central government to local communities. The constitutional convention lasted six months at Bomas of Kenya.
The Speaker acknowledged ongoing challenges with gender representation requirements. Kenya still struggles to achieve the two-thirds gender rule despite constitutional mandates. Women lawmakers increased from three members in 1992 to current levels. Cultural resistance continues to block progress on gender equality measures. Courts declared Parliament unconstitutional for missing gender targets but enforcement remains difficult.
Nigerian delegation leader Julius Ihonvbere praised Kenya's honest assessment of constitutional reform. The visitors gathered valuable insights for their upcoming reform process back home. Both countries agreed to establish a Parliamentary Friendship Group for continued cooperation. Wetang'ula promised to share Kenya's constitutional archives with Nigerian reformers. The exchange demonstrates how African nations can learn from each other's democratic experiences.
