Parliament to share all information with the public in new initiative
By Kiprono Keileb, September 9, 2025The National Assembly Committee on Parliamentary Broadcasting and Library has begun a countrywide initiative aimed at bringing Parliament closer to the people by exploring the establishment of Parliamentary Corners in county libraries. The exercise aims to enhance transparency, strengthen public participation, and give citizens more direct access to legislative processes.
During a visit to the Eldoret Library in Uasin Gishu County, Committee Chairperson Daniel Nanok emphasised the importance of libraries as trusted community hubs.
“Libraries are trusted community hubs. By setting up Parliamentary Corners, citizens will have direct access to legislative documents and parliamentary reports, which will foster accountability and civic education,” Nanok noted.
The Eldoret Library, which suffered vandalism and burning during the June 2024 protests, is now slated for reconstruction. The initiative marks a significant step toward revitalising public spaces and ensuring that citizens, especially the youth, can engage directly with parliamentary activities.
Uasin Gishu County Governor, Jonathan Bii Chelilim, highlighted the county’s plans to modernise the facility, including the creation of a youth innovation centre and an amphitheatre.
“This partnership will revitalise our libraries and make them spaces where citizens, especially young people, can learn and engage on governance issues,” Governor Bii said, underlining the role of libraries as both educational and civic engagement hubs.
Participants in the Eldoret meeting described the Parliamentary Corners initiative as “an eye opener,” noting that it will demystify Parliament and provide crucial resources to the public. The project is expected to empower citizens to better understand parliamentary procedures, hold representatives accountable, and actively participate in governance.
The Committee has also announced plans to visit libraries in Elgeyo Marakwet, Kakamega, and Kisumu counties. These visits will assess the spaces and accessibility of the libraries ahead of formal agreements with county governments to establish permanent Parliamentary resource spaces. Through these efforts, Parliament aims to decentralise access to legislative information and make civic education more inclusive across the country.
By taking parliamentary resources to county libraries, the initiative not only bridges the gap between citizens and lawmakers but also encourages informed participation in governance. The integration of educational programs and resource centres in local libraries signals a new chapter in Kenya’s effort to strengthen democratic practices and empower communities at the grassroots level.