(Nairobi) – Members of Parliament will travel to Mombasa via the Standard Gauge Railway (SGR) as part of ongoing efforts to reduce government expenditure, National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang’ula has announced. The journey is scheduled for the upcoming 14th East African Community (EAC) Inter-Parliamentary Games, which will take place from December 6 to 17, 2024.
The directive applies to all MPs, including Speaker Wetang’ula, who confirmed the travel arrangements on Tuesday. It remains unclear whether lawmakers will receive tickets for the premium-class coaches, which cost Sh12,000 for a one-way trip or Sh20,000 for a round trip. For children aged 3 to 11, a one-way ticket costs Sh6,100.
This move aligns with the government’s broader austerity measures aimed at curbing public spending. In June, the government outlined plans to dissolve 47 state corporations with overlapping functions and eliminate confidential budget allocations in various Executive offices. These measures are part of a broader strategy to rein in expenses amid growing public concern over government spending.
The EAC Inter-Parliamentary Games, hosted this year by Kenya, will see participation from nine member states: Burundi, Democratic Republic of Congo, Rwanda, South Sudan, Tanzania, Uganda, Somalia (a newcomer), and the host nation, Kenya.
The games will feature multiple disciplines, including football, netball, volleyball, basketball, athletics, tug-of-war, darts, and golf.
| Event Venues and Activities | Host Locations |
|---|---|
| Football & Athletics | Kenya Ports Authority’s Mbaraki Stadium |
| Basketball, Volleyball, Netball, Darts | Aga Khan Academy |
| Football Training | Uwanja wa Mbuzi/Hassan Joho Stadium, Sheikh Zayed Academy, and ASK Showground in Kingowea |
| Basketball Training | Kenya Ports Authority’s Makupa Members Club |