The journey of the Hansard Association of Kenya from a training workshop to a continental force in legislative reporting.
The idea of a professional body for Hansard practitioners in Kenya was born not in a boardroom, but in a classroom. During a training workshop at the Centre for Parliamentary Studies and Training (CPST) in Karen, Nairobi, a group of dedicated Hansard staff saw a glaring gap: county assemblies had little recognition of the Hansard department's critical role. The solution? A united, independent association to champion excellence in legislative reporting.
Guided by Mr. Abdulmajid Ahmed (Training Coordinator) and Dr. Philip Brightone Buchere (then Director, Curriculum, Training & Research), the participants elected an interim committee to steer the dream forward.
Interim officials (2014):
The Clerk of the Senate, Mr. Jeremiah Nyegenye, was proposed as patron. When consulted, he advised a full meeting to formalise the association.
That meeting was held in Nakuru County in 2014, attended by 13 county assemblies and two Senate officers – Mr. Charles Ondigi Gwako and Miss Anastacia Mbeba. The resolution was unanimous: establish the Hansard Association of Kenya (HAK), and empower the interim committee to continue until proper elections.
Not everyone welcomed the idea. Some county clerks mistook HAK for a trade union – a threat to their authority. The committee persevered through "silent diplomacy," using every opportunity at SOCATT(K) meetings to build trust. Over time, clerks became great friends of the Hansard fraternity, supporting training and equipment procurement.
After two years of groundwork, HAK held its inaugural annual conference in Mombasa (2016). The interim committee's mandate was extended once more to prepare for the second conference, and in January 2017, a new elected executive took over.
Elected executive (2017):
Since then, HAK has successfully organised seven annual conferences, each raising the bar for professionalism in legislative reporting. The Association has moved Hansard from the shadows – seen as mere "technical support" – to a recognised professional partner in the legislative process.
Today, HAK serves as the cornerstone for preserving the parliamentary record, ensuring that the deliberations of the people's representatives are captured with accuracy, integrity, and transparency. With the reintroduction of bicameralism and the growth of 47 county assemblies, the Hansard has become a vital instrument in governance, judicial proceedings, public accountability, and the historical archive.
Provide constant engagement and best practice sharing among members.
Integrate modern tools, including AI and speech‑to‑text, into Hansard production.
Equip editors and reporters with skills to produce accurate, authoritative verbatim reports.
Develop a unified Hansard Guide/Manual for all Kenyan legislatures.
Strengthen working relations with other assembly departments (Clerks' Chambers, Legal & Procedural, CSAA).
Actively participate in CHEA (Africa Region) and CHEA International activities.
Exchange experiences with national parliaments and East African peers (Uganda, Tanzania, etc.).
Kisumu, May 2026
The story continues. Our 8th Annual Conference – themed "The Hansard: Milestones, Gains and Impact" – will be held from 10th to 16th May 2026 in Kisumu County. We expect over 300 Hansard professionals, plus international guests from Ghana, Malawi, Tanzania, Uganda, Zambia, Somaliland, and Sierra Leone.
The conference will explore four thematic pillars:
It will also launch the Kisumu Resolutions – a communiqué to advance Hansard standards across the region.
From a small training workshop to a continental force, the Hansard Association of Kenya remains committed to one simple truth: the written record is the enduring voice of democracy.
Whether you are a Hansard officer from a county assembly, the national parliament, or a visiting legislature – you are welcome to be part of our journey.
📧 Contact our Organising Secretary, Ms. Ndilai Resian
[email protected] | +254 721 687 710
The Hansard Association of Kenya – capturing the voice of the people, today and for generations to come.