Kibabii University, through the Centre for Languages and Cultural Studies (CLACS), is participating in the 7th Annual Hansard Association of Kenya (HAK) Conference, taking place in Mombasa County from 11th to 17th May, 2025. The University is represented by Dr. Eric Wamalwa, the Coordinator of CLACS.
The conference offers a valuable platform for the University to deepen its collaboration with the Directorate of Hansard and contribute meaningfully to national discourse. The Hansard, the official verbatim report of parliamentary proceedings, plays a critical role in upholding truth and accountability in Kenya’s legislative process. It serves as a permanent record of debates in both National and County Assemblies, ensuring transparency and enabling citizens to scrutinize the actions and decisions of their elected leaders.
According to Mr. Jeremiah Nyegenye, Clerk of the Senate and Secretary to the Parliamentary Service Commission (PSC), and a co-patron of HAK, the Hansard is essential in protecting the integrity of parliamentary debate. He emphasized its role in holding leaders accountable and enhancing public oversight of governance.
The theme of this year’s conference, “The Place of Hansard in Good Governance and Advancement of Democracy,” highlights the importance of timely, accurate, and accessible parliamentary records in promoting transparency, accountability, and informed civic engagement. Mr. Charles Ondigi, Deputy Director in the Department of Hansard at the Senate, noted that the conference is designed to explore how Hansard professionals can harness technology, overcome linguistic challenges, and strengthen citizen participation in governance.
Dr. Wamalwa applauded the ongoing efforts to finalize a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between Kibabii University and the Parliament of Kenya through the Directorate of Hansard. Mr. Ondigi reaffirmed the Directorate’s commitment to concluding the process, paving the way for fruitful collaboration in areas of mutual interest.