The Clerk of the Senate and Secretary to the Parliamentary Service Commission, Mr Jeremiah Nyegenye, has formally welcomed African parliamentary leaders to Nairobi for the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) Regional Seminar on Methane Reduction, framing the gathering as a test of the continent's resolve to confront climate change.

The seminar, convened under the theme "African Parliaments for Climate Action: Reducing Methane, Promoting Development," opened at Parliament Buildings on 15th May 2026. It drew Members of Parliament from across Africa, representatives of the Executive and international development partners.

In his welcome remarks, Mr. Nyegenye said it was fitting that the conversation was taking place in the Kenyan capital. "Nairobi is not only the seat of the Parliament of Kenya, but also home to the United Nations Environment Programme and an increasingly vibrant hub of environmental diplomacy and innovation," he said.

He outlined the duty before legislators in plain terms. The seminar, he noted, "underscores the unique responsibility of Parliaments to provide leadership, to give voice to the concerns of our citizens and to help chart a course towards a more resilient, inclusive and prosperous future for Africa."

The Clerk urged delegates to look beyond the formal agenda. He encouraged them to "strengthen networks, build lasting friendships and explore avenues for future collaboration among committees, caucuses and parliamentary administrations."

He acknowledged the partners that made the seminar possible, among them ILRI, CGIAR, CIFOR-ICRAF, the Stockholm Environment Institute, the Climate and Clean Air Coalition, UNIDO, Climate Parliament and the Climate Vulnerable Forum.

Mr. Nyegenye closed by pledging the Secretariat's full support to delegates, wishing them "a pleasant stay and fruitful deliberations" as Kenya hosts the three-day engagement.