Nairobi — The newly-established Children's Parliament began sitting yesterday, with heated debate on whether the voting age should be lowered to at least 15 years.

The junior "Parliament" which sat at the Old Chambers of Parliament Buildings was characterised by lively debate by students and pupils who demonstrated a high degree of knowledge of current affairs and topical issues.

The debate kicked-off during the morning sitting shortly after "President" Ken Karanja told the "Cabinet" and "backbenchers" that they were free to raise any issue that may be of public interest.

The House, which saw "ministers" taken to task by "MPs" also extended an invitation to President Kibaki to attend one of their sessions as a demonstration of his commitment to children's issues.