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By Martin Mutua
National Assembly Speaker Kenneth Marende has been elected the president of the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association.
Marende, who was elected during the just concluded conference in Arusha, Tanzania on Monday, will chair the association for one year.
The occasion also saw Kenya chosen to host the 56th CPA meeting next year.
National Assembly Clerk Patrick Gichohi was also elected chairman of the Society of Clerks in the association. Gichohi will chair the Clerks’ meetings under the Commonwealth arrangement.
Marende takes over from Tanzanian Speaker Samuel Sitta.
Defence Assistant Minister David Musila, who led the Kenyan delegation, praised his parliamentary colleagues for their efforts saying most of their recommendations were adopted.
Kenya will to host the next conference after a 26-year break. It last hosted the CPA conference in 1983.
The conference, which was officially opened on Friday by Tanzanian President Jakaya Kikwete, discussed among other issues threats coalition governments pose to parliamentary democracy.
Anti-terrorism laws, violence against women, effects of the global financial crisis, youth empowerment and climate change were also discussed.
MPs Zakayo Cheruiyot, Jakoyo Midiwo, Olago Aluoch, Amina Abdalla, Shakila Abdalla, Njoroge Baiya, Elias Mbau and Raphael Letimalo participated in the conference.
The Commonwealth Parliamentary Association brings together MPs to discuss issues of good governance, human rights and democracy.
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