The Senate Liaison Office (SLO) gathered earlier today for a high-level retreat under the evocative theme: "Reflecting on Progress, Fortifying Well-being, and Strategizing for Transition." 

The session opened with an address by the Deputy Clerk of the Senate, Ms. Eunice Gichangi, who stood in for the Clerk of the Senate and the Secretary to the Parliamentary Service Commission, Mr. Jeremiah Nyegenye, who is away on official business. 

Deputy Clerk Gichangi started by commending the staff for creating the space to reflect, especially following the recent demise of their Director, Dr. Brighton Buchere. 

She reminded the team that the best way to honor his memory is to ensure the office continues to thrive. "I have no doubt Dr. Buchere was so proud of the Senate Liaison Office," she remarked. "If there is anything that we would do to protect and preserve his legacy, it is to grow this office. We owe it to him to strategize for transition and to move ahead."

Ms. Gichangi highlighted that the 13th Parliament is at a pivotal juncture, where routine tasks must give way to consolidation and legacy-building. 

She emphasized that high performance is inseparable from mental health, fully endorsing the retreat's expert-led sessions on grief and resilience. 

"A high-performing office must be a humane office," she noted, "Sustainable performance and continued growth cannot exist without psychological well-being and safety."

Looking toward the future, Ms. Gichangi challenged the SLO to remain the "Ministry of Foreign Affairs" for the Senate, noting that their ability to pull off major upcoming events, such as the Methane Conference, the World Summit of Committees of the Future, and the Energy Forum, sets them apart. 

She urged the staff to embrace the Clerk’s favorite mantra: "Innovate or die," encouraging the integration of AI and strategic foresight into their workflows to meet the demands of a modern legislature.

Following the Deputy Clerk’s remarks, the acting Director of the Senate Liaison Office, Dr. Brenda Ogembo, provided a comprehensive roundup of the directorate’s recent achievements and its ambitious roadmap for the coming year. 

She highlighted the success of public engagement at ASK shows and the Senate Mashinani initiative, which have been instrumental in helping citizens understand and engage with the Senate’s work.

Dr. Ogembo spoke with pride about the growing partnership with the Parliamentary Budget Office (PBO) and the successful management of the Youth and Disabilities desks. 

A particular highlight was the Bunge Youth Dialogue, which brought 100 young people to the Senate for a full day of robust debate. "It was a significant success," Dr. Ogembo noted, "and hopefully a precursor even to the Citizens Legislative Seminar."

The acting Director also pointed to the County Legislative Tracker (CLT) as a hidden gem with massive potential. 

"This is the single largest resource for county legislation," she explained, urging for more resources to be channeled into building it out further. 

Looking ahead to 2026, Dr. Ogembo outlined plans to expand the Bunge School Scheme (BSS) and to enhance the research department’s capacity to provide critical analysis.

She specifically challenged her officers to provide a counter-narrative to the annual State of Devolution (SODA) reports. 

"Why can’t we put an analysis on SODA once it comes out and actually challenge committees to look at the different sector claims?" she challenged. 

As the office prepares for the transition to the 14th Parliament, the focus remains clear: strengthening internal structures, fostering mentorship, and ensuring the Senate remains a leader in legislative innovation and oversight.