Parliament lauded for promoting staff welfare, unity through sports

Parliament has been lauded for fostering staff welfare, teamwork, and unity, with leaders describing it as one of Africa’s most caring public institutions.

Speaking during the Bunge Sports Day at Ulinzi Complex, Lang’ata, the Chairperson of the Parliamentary Service Commission (PSC) Staff Welfare Committee, Ms Rachel Ameso, said Parliament’s culture of care continues to set a high standard for other institutions.

“I have been to several parliaments across the continent, and I can confidently say that the Kenyan Parliament stands out,” she said. “We care deeply about the welfare of our staff.”

Ms Ameso noted that staff under the Parliamentary Service Commission (PSC) were healthier and more motivated, adding that such progress was visible even among retirees.

“We have seen the people we are bidding farewell as they are clicking sixty in the next few months. Unless you are told their age, nothing shows so. It is because Parliament has taken good care of them,” she said.

She proposed that the sports event be held twice a year to further enhance morale and workplace bonding.

“The welfare of parliamentary staff is important. I’m suggesting that we have at least two such gatherings every year,” she added.

Clerk of the Senate and Secretary to the PSC, Mr Jeremiah Nyegenye, said the event reflected the teamwork, humility, and discipline that drive the institution’s service to the nation.

“Sports teach us that things do not always go our way, but through teamwork and perseverance, success comes eventually,” he said. “Wherever you serve in Parliament, remember that you are part of one team working for the people of Kenya.”

Clerk of the National Assembly, Mr Samuel Njoroge, reaffirmed PSC’s commitment to improving staff welfare through both recreational and financial empowerment initiatives.

He said the Commission is working to secure additional resources to expand access to the staff mortgage and car loan schemes, which have already benefited many employees.

“We are pushing through the Parliamentary Service Commission for more funding,” he said. “Once the process is complete, more staff will access the mortgage and car loan facilities. These schemes are part of our broader plan to enhance staff welfare.”

The two-day Bunge Sports Day brought together staff from the National Assembly, Senate, Parliamentary Joint Services (PJS), and the Parliamentary Service Commission, under the theme “One Team, One Goal: Energizing Parliament through Sports.”

The event featured both indoor and outdoor games, aimed at promoting wellness, teamwork, and unity among employees.