National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang'ula has said that Kenya and Zambia share historical and political transformation background that must be natured into the realisation of a new Africa.
Wetang'ula called for enhanced diplomacy between African Parliaments saying that pulling together will boost the region's legislation agenda leading to strategic development.
Speaking on Monday during a parliamentary diplomatic engagement with Zambian Speaker Nelly Mutti, who paid him a courtesy call at Parliament building, he said that Kenya and Zambia Parliaments have over the years enjoyed a cordial relationship.
"Zambia has been a friend to Kenya, we share a lot in common and both our two countries are tourism destinations hence we still have a lot we can do together given the goodwill and opportunities," he said.
Wetangula informed the Zambian delegation led by the Speaker that the House Business Committee as established in the Standing order 171 of the National Assembly is chaired by the Speaker and forms the heart of business of the House.
"The House Business Committee (HBC) is the ultimate authority of the affairs of the House," he said.
He noted that the HBC is also mandated to prepare and approve the parliamentary calendar, oversee the implementation of the House business and related programmes among other roles.
While highlighting the roles of the National Assembly, the Speaker emphasized that budget making and oversight of government projects were among the cardinal duties of the August House.
Speaker Mutti acknowledged the warm reception of Wetang'ula saying that the Zambian delegation is visiting the Parliament of Kenya to learn the operations of the HBC.
She indicated that the House Business Committee of Zambia, is one of the four Housekeeping Committees of the National Assembly.
"Our coming here is a testament of the good parliamentary relations. Members of Parliament and staff of our respective Parliaments have on numerous occasions exchanged visits for purposes of learning and sharing best practices," said Speaker Nelly.
The Speakers committed to offer support to members of their respective Houses to engage through exchange programmes.
"We want to take our engagements further and have a fordable friendship group among the members to carry on the work of the work of the two Parliaments," said Speaker Nelly.
The Speaker suggested the formation of the Kenya- Zambia Parliamentary Friendship Group which they said will form the basis for further deliberation of parliamentary business and activities of the two Parliaments for mutual benefit.
Speaker Nelly explained that, the House Business Committee of the National Assembly of Zambia is categorized as a House Keeping Committee and is mandated to determine the business to be considered by the House. It is comprised of the leadership of the House and is chaired by the Speaker.
The Zambian delegation included MPs Stafford Mulusa, Brian Mundubile, Stephen Kampyongo, Patriotic Front, Jay Banda, Kampamba Mulenga, Clement Andeleki, Roy Ngulube. The Kenyan delegation included MPs Robert Mbui, Omboko Miremba, Silvanus Osoro, TJ Kajwang', Sheikh Kassim and Clerk of the National Assembly, Samuel Njoroge.
