By Grace Gilo
National Assembly speaker, Moses Wetang’ula, has announced plans to establish a Kenya–Rwanda Parliamentary Friendship Group in a bid to enhance inter-parliamentary cooperation, capacity building and strengthening diplomatic ties between the two countries.
Speaking during a courtesy call by the High Commissioner of Rwanda to Kenya, H.E. Ambassador Ernest Rwamucyo, at Parliament Buildings in Nairobi, Speaker Wetang’ula affirmed that the process to form the group would begin immediately.
“The establishment of the Parliamentary Friendship Group will create a structured platform for robust engagement between our legislatures. Rwanda stands to benefit from Kenya’s well-established parliamentary practices,” said Hon. Wetang’ula.
Ambassador Rwamucyo expressed gratitude for the ongoing support Rwanda receives from Kenya and highlighted the importance of strengthening institutional ties through parliamentary exchanges.
He called for mechanisms that would enable Rwanda’s Parliament to learn from Kenya’s legislative frameworks and best practices.
In response, Speaker Wetang’ula pledged Kenya’s support in facilitating knowledge-sharing initiatives, including hosting Rwandan Members of Parliament and staff for capacity-building programs.
“As President of the East African Bureau of Speakers, I remain committed to fostering regional integration across Africa. I appreciate Rwanda’s steadfast support for these efforts to ensure citizens across the continent can travel, trade and conduct business freely without much restrictions. My vision is for an integrated Africa, one where I can travel from Nairobi to Dakar without barriers,” Wetang’ula said.
Ambassador Rwamucyo lauded the strong diplomatic ties between Kenya and Rwanda, noting their positive impact on peace and stability in Rwanda, particularly in the aftermath of the 1994 genocide.
He expressed appreciation for Kenya’s support in establishing Rwanda’s mission in Nairobi and recognized the significant contributions of Kenyan professionals in Rwanda, particularly within the security sector.
As Rwamucyo marks three months in office, Wetang’ula congratulated him on his recent appointment and assured him of the National Assembly’s full support in further strengthening the already cordial relations between Kenya and Rwanda.