Serah Kioko makes history as first female clerk to swear in MPs

In July, Kioko took over as parliamentary officer from Michael Sialai, who retired and left the position.

Ms. Kioko will be expected to exercise sole authority, albeit in an acting capacity, to administer the oath of office to the newly elected MPs, who will then choose a new Speaker.

She would hold office for a term of five years, which could only be prolonged once, if she were to be officially appointed by the Parliamentary Service Commission (PSC). She will serve as the National Assembly's seventh clerk.

Ms. Kioko will be responsible for marshaling published Bills, Motions, and Sessional Papers for the National Assembly's consideration in addition to the aforementioned role.

She will also be in charge of ensuring that the National Assembly's calendar is prepared, that House Business is conducted each week, and that Order Papers, Votes, and Proceedings are distributed on time.

The House Business Committee, the National Assembly Powers and Privileges Committee, and the National Assembly Procedure and Rules Committee will all be overseen by Ms. Kioko's staff.

She has served as the Deputy Clerk before being promoted, where she was in charge of overseeing and supervising chamber duties and assisting the Clerk in providing advice to the Speaker. She boasts 30 years of experience as a parliamentary officer.

She also served as the pioneer Director for Legislative and Procedural Services in the Senate where she played a pivotal role in setting up and coordinating Senate operations as the head of the core directorate.

She was also the first Director for Legislative and Procedural Services in the Senate, where she was in charge of the core directorate and was instrumental in organizing and setting up Senate operations.

In addition, Ms. Kioko performed administrative tasks and, as needed, offered research assistance.

In 1999, she and a few other women sat at the Clerk's table for the very first time in a legislative chamber.

Officers at the table are also referred to as clerk assistants. They help the speakers with the house procedures and advise on a number of issues whenever there is a house in session.