Wetang'ula directs all MPs to travel by SGR to Mombasa EAC games
By Lucy Mumbi |
Speaker Wetang'ula emphasised that the directive to use the SGR is part of ongoing efforts to reduce government expenditure.
National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang'ula has instructed Members of Parliament attending the 14th East African Community Inter-Parliamentary Games in Mombasa next month to travel exclusively by the standard gauge railway (SGR) Madaraka Express passenger train.
Speaking in Parliament on Tuesday, Wetang'ula emphasised that the directive to use the SGR is part of ongoing efforts to reduce government expenditure.
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The games, which will run from December 6 to December 18, 2024, will see the participation of eight East African nations: Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, Rwanda, Burundi, DR Congo, South Sudan, and Somalia.
"I did direct and I want to repeat... as much as we possibly can on cost-cutting measures... you will, including myself, travel to Mombasa by SGR. I invite you members to be in Mombasa for the friendly games of the East African region, where parliaments of the eight African countries will be there. Organise with the clerk's office to indicate when you want to travel," Wetang'ula told MPs.
The East African Inter-Parliamentary Games were established in 2009 following a resolution by the 4th East African Community Bureau of Speakers. The event, held annually on a rotational basis, aims to foster stronger relationships between the East African Legislative Assembly (EALA) and the parliaments of the region.
He also called on Mombasa leaders to prepare for the event and ensure its smooth execution.
"We encourage our colleagues from Mombasa to lay out a good welcome for our colleagues both in Kenya and from the region," Wetang'ula said.
Among the sports set to feature in the games are golf, football, athletics, tug of war, netball, volleyball, basketball, and darts for persons with disabilities (PWDs).
Majority Leader Kimani Ichung’wah expressed his support for the decision to use the SGR, confirming that all MPs would join the Speaker on the early-morning train to Mombasa on December 6.
"We shall all join the Speaker who will be on the SGR [train] to Mombasa at 6 am. Being the host, all 349 MPs are expected to be in Mombasa," Ichung’wah said.
The move comes amid significant government budget cuts.
In August, President William Ruto signed into law the Supplementary Appropriation Bill, 2024, which reduced government expenditure by billions for the 2024/25 financial year.
The cuts included reductions of Sh145.7 billion in government expenditure, affecting ministries, Parliament and the Judiciary.
In line with the austerity measures, Wetang'ula had previously instructed that all parliamentary committees hold their meetings within Parliament buildings rather than in expensive hotels.
"Ensure that in line with the current austerity measures and the expenditure reductions, the attendant sittings of committees are held within the precincts of Parliament," Wetang'ula said.
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