Public engagement with Parliament vital for accountability

Parliament, on Friday, held its first Open Day, during which members of the public visited and were given a guided tour of both Chambers of Parliament at Kimihurura. The hundreds of people who turned up were given satisfactory information by Members of Parliament, regarding the activities of the August House. The initiative is important, since it’s one of the ways through which MPs can account to the electorate, on whose behalf they oversee Government activities, and debate and pass the country’s laws. By continually engaging with the public, Members of Parliament are demonstrating a willingness to be subjected to public scrutiny, without having to wait for the election season. Members of the public should equally take individual initiative to follow the proceedings in their Parliament by, among others, attending House sittings since the public gallery is reserved for them. Indeed, during debates in Standing Committees, the public can always draw the attention of MPs to certain issues in their communities the legislators may not be aware of. Parliament, in engaging the public, has shown that it attaches great value to the public in the conduct of its business. This is paramount for an institution that holds other arms of the State to account. It is an indication of commitment to deepening democracy in the country. For greater interaction, parliamentarians and the general public ought to engage in more approaches such as town hall meetings and field visits by MPs. Ends