Those targeted for the training include Senators, MPs, County Assembly Representatives, and Speakers.
Also targeted are staff running the newly established county assemblies especially the clerks and sergeants at arms, who require training on practice and procedures of the institutions.
The Centre for Parliamentary Studies and Training (CPST) based in Karen, Nairobi, will conduct the training.
According to CPST’s director Nyokabi Kamau, the training is expected to start immediately the officials begin work so that the trainees acquire the skills necessary to execute their mandate.
The mode of training will comprise short certificate courses that could last up to three weeks.
“In some cases, we will run classes through tele-conferencing for distance learning,” Prof Kamau said
Experienced trainers
Trainers will include experienced former and current MPs, retired and current staff of Parliament, renown scholars with expertise on parliamentary matters, senior civil servants and professionals from the private sector.
A document detailing the programme shows the leaders will study courses on Parliament and the Constitution, political parties and lobbying, parliamentary procedures and devolution.
They will also learn how to manage people and how to conduct research.
“The learners will be taken through courses on managing public funds, effective communication and how to promote national unity,” the document said.
The move to introduce the programme follows a realisation that up to 75 per cent of MPs are first-timers.
“This loss of institution memory affects committee and chamber performance,” Prof Kamau, a former lecturer at St Paul’s University, Limuru, said.
“It has been established that first time MPs’ performance in committees as members or heads is not as effective as of returning MPs,” Prof Kamau said stressing on the need for training. -Daily Nation
