• Organs of diplomacy: MPs practice parliamentary diplomacy by fostering good relations between different regions through membership of international organizations such as the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association (CPA) and the Inter- Parliamentary Union (IPU) and through foreign visits. They represent the country as
“ambassadors” in various regional and international fora and participate in the
formulation of various treaties. They also practice diplomacy through peace interventions in the neighboring war-torn countries such as Sudan and Somalia.
• Watchdogs of democracy: MPs are the citizens’ watchdogs and ensure that
they are able to enjoy their fundamental freedoms and rights. MPs defend the constitution on behalf of citizens and play a key role in checking the government to ensure that no one’s rights are violated. MPs maintain links with civil society, the media and other bodies to promote democracy. Kenyan MPs, for instance, have been at the
Above: Parliament in session in the Old Chamber.
The Parliamentarian | 2010: Issue Three - Kenya | 25