Parliament last week recorded one of its highest numbers of school visits, with thousands of students touring the historic chambers for educational purposes.

From primary school children seeing the National Assembly and Senate for the first time to high school learners eager to understand how laws are made, the halls of Parliament were turned into a classroom of civic education.

More than 10,000 students from 200 schools visited Parliament between Tuesday and Thursday.

Minority Whip Millie Odhiambo raised concerns over the high number of students who visited Parliament buildings last week alone, saying that visits should be staggered.

“I stand on a point of order. I have noted with concern that there are many students visiting Parliament. It is good for students to visit, but as a person who is an expert in child protection, the number is concerning,” she said during Thursday’s afternoon session.

She noted that child protection is a broad issue that must be considered, warning that some students could be run over by vehicles or go missing.

According to Odhiambo, there are established standards for children visiting Parliament, and certain safet safeguards must be put in place. She described the current situation as “a crisis in waiting.”

“I would request that they should have a meaningful experience not just walking in and out. I do not know what they are experiencing with such a short stay. The visits should be staggered as has been done in the past,” she said.

Samburu West MP Naisula Lesuuda added: “I had taken note that two students fainted from standing too long, and I will be writing to you (Speaker), as the chairperson of the Parliamentary Service Commission, that within Parliament we need a health facility to provide quick first aid, even for members and staff, and emergency services.”

National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang’ula said Parliament is an open space for Kenyans and that they should be allowed to visit.

However, he acknowledged the high number of student visits last week, stating that on Tuesday alone about 60 schools came.

“I had noted the same. On Tuesday alone, we received 60 schools. When I instructed the Clerk to inquire, I got a response that the teachers had requested to visit at this time because schools are on holiday and, luckily, this holiday coincides with the House sitting,” said the Speaker.

“I asked the Clerk and Sergeants if they were overwhelmed by the number of schools, and they said they were not,” he explained.

The surge in visits comes at a time when Parliament is keen to reconnect with the public, following the Gen Z protests that cast the House in a negative light.

“Parliament is not just a law-making House; it is the people’s house. By opening our doors to students, we are nurturing the next generation of leaders who will understand and appreciate how our democracy works,” Wetang’ula said.

He said such programs are crucial in repairing public perception.

“Confidence in institutions is earned. When young people walk through these halls, see their leaders at work, and see how House business is conducted, they witness firsthand that this House is here to serve Kenyans,” he explained.