Parliament has been named the best government exhibitor for promoting national cohesion and integration at the Mombasa International Agricultural Society of Kenya (ASK) Show.

The Parliamentary Service Commission (PSC) stand at the Mombasa International A.S.K Show at Mkomani Grounds emerged first in the Best Stand that Promotes National Cohesion and Integration category and third in the Best Government Social Functions Stand category.

The awards followed a rigorous judging process led by Mr. Godwin Okoth and capped Parliament’s participation in the annual agricultural show, which brought together government institutions, private sector players, farmers and members of the public.

This year’s show was held under the theme, “Promoting Climate Smart Agriculture and Trade Initiatives for Sustainable Economic Growth.”

The award was received in the presence of Parliamentary Service Commissioner Hon. Mishi Mboko and Senator Wahome Wamatinga, who chairs the Commission Committee on Information and Public Communication.

The leaders toured the parliamentary exhibition stand, which drew large numbers of visitors and showcased displays on Parliament's work and mandate.

A key attraction was the civic education section, where schoolchildren were guided through Parliament’s structure, mandate and procedures and given the opportunity to participate in mock parliamentary proceedings.

Speaking during the tour, Hon. Mboko said the exhibition demonstrated that Parliament was an institution belonging to the people.

“This is what a people-centred Parliament looks like. When our children from Likoni, Nyali and across Mombasa can serve as Speaker and Clerk and debate real issues, we are building future leaders,” she said.

Hon. Mboko, who is also the Likoni MP, said the participation of girls from Mishi Mboko Girls School was an important demonstration of inclusion and equal opportunity.

“There is no limitation because you are a girl. If you can preside over a mock House today, you can preside over the Republic tomorrow,” she told the students.

The Chief Guest of the Show, CS Agriculture, Mutahi Kagwe, who visited the stand, commended the PSC for using the show to make Parliament more accessible to the public and demystify its work.

“What I have seen here is outstanding. Kenyans are asking who sets the budget, how we allocate resources, and how I can petition Parliament. That shows civic education is working. This is how we build trust,” he said.

Hon. Brighten Yegon, vice-chairperson of the Agriculture Committee, who took part in the Media Roundtable held at the exhibition, said the demonstration had also helped visitors understand the link between Parliament’s legislative work and the issues affecting their livelihoods.

"When we talk about climate-smart agriculture, we are talking about laws that reduce input costs, protect fishermen and open markets. That connection is now clearer because of this Stand,” he added.

The leaders urged Parliament to sustain public outreach initiatives, saying they were critical to strengthening civic awareness and bringing Parliament closer to citizens.

Various schools from the region visited the parliamentary stand, where students took part in full mock parliamentary debates, complete with a Speaker, Clerk, Mace, and oversight questions conducted under Standing Order 44(2)(c).

Debated issues included the Breastfeeding Facilities Bill and a motion on climate-smart agriculture and food security.

The initiative also gave the public an opportunity to engage with parliamentary officials on law-making, budgeting and oversight.

Members of the Taskforce on Parliamentary Outreach Public Engagement engaged visitors in discussions about who initiates the national budget and how allocations to government agencies are determined.

Several parliamentary directorates from both Houses participated in the exhibition, including Legislative and Procedural Services, Hansard, the Parliamentary Budget Office, the Centre for Parliamentary Studies and Training (CPST), Public Communications, and Library Services.

The Stand's success was attributed to its interactive approach, which transformed the exhibition space from a conventional display area into a civic education classroom.

The award reinforces Parliament’s efforts to deepen public participation and civic engagement, in line with the people-centred Parliament agenda championed by National Assembly Speaker Hon. Moses Wetang’ula and with the Parliamentary Service Commission’s outreach programme.