Thursday, March 7, 2024

 The Parliamentary Service Commission (PSC) has reiterated its commitment towards ensuring that Centre for Parliamentary Studies and Training (CPST) continues delivering quality programmes, as envisaged by the PSC policy guidelines and standards.

 Led by the Chairperson of the CPST Board, Commissioner, Hon. Rachael Ameso, the Commissioners made this assurance during the graduation ceremony of over 40 officers drawn from different departments within the Parliamentary Service, who undertook a mandatory promotional course in December last year. The course was administered by CPST. This is the second cohort to graduate since the introduction of the course.  

 "We have built a name for this institution nationally and internationally. As we now enter our 13th year, we are humbled by the successes we have achieved and have resolved to raise the bar even higher and have this amazing Centre scale the highest level of success. For this, we count on your continued support as staff alumni, and as stakeholders,” Commissioner Ameso said.

 These sentiments on the importance of capacity building for staff were echoed by all the Commissioners present, with the Vice-Chairperson of PSC and member of the CPST Board, Commissioner, Hon. Joyce Korir, adding that the Board is keen on fast tracking the completion of the CPST Centre to ensure that officers have a conducive environment to study in. She also hinted that the institution could adopt a blended training mode; that would involve online and in-person training options, to help manage the training budget.

 Commissioner, Hon. Patrick Makau stressed that well capacitated staff help deliver the vision and mission of an institution, adding that with CPST building the capacity of the officers, they will be expected to exploit the skills gained to add value to Parliament. He pointed out that as a Board, they’re ready to support the institution’s programs and projects, including the completion of the ongoing CPST construction project.

 Commissioner Hon. Mishi Mboko thanked the Speaker of the National Assembly Hon. (Dr.) Moses Wetang’ula for the support he has offered the Centre so far. She emphasized the importance of the staff knowing the different areas of operations of Parliament, so as to ensure they effectively serve Parliament. She noted that CPST was firmly on the path of achieving its vision; that of growing into a regional training hub for legislatures. 

The Executive Director, CPST, Prof. Nyokabi Kamau, stated that the institution is hoping to open up for training to other Parliaments across Africa, urging the Commissioners and the Board to keep supporting the Centre financially, so as to enable it to effectively execute its mandate.