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Ruto calls for parliamentary budget cut after launching Bunge Towers

President William Ruto cuts the ribbon during the official opening of Bunge Towers on April 25, 2024 as Speakers Moses Wetang'ula (National Assembly), Amason Kingi (Senate) and Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua look on. (Photo: PCS)

By Maureen Kinyanjui | 25 Apr 2024

The President inaugurated the Sh9.6 billion Bunge Towers on Thursday.

President William Ruto has challenged the Parliament to reduce its annual budget following the launch of Bunge Towers, which is expected to streamline costs.

Speaking on Thursday during the official launch of the facility, Ruto emphasised the need for significant reductions in expenses, echoing sentiments from both the National Assembly and Senate House leadership regarding potential annual savings of close to Sh400 million.

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"Now that we have all the facilities here including the meeting rooms, I hope I will see a significant drop in the budget of Parliament," he said.

"The taste of the pudding is in the eating. In the next budget, just remember that Parliament does not need money to go to hotels, and therefore the budget should be reduced."

The President inaugurated the Sh9.6 billion Bunge Towers on Thursday following its postponement last week due to the tragic passing of Chief of Defence Forces (CDF) General Francis Ogolla.

Originally scheduled for April 19, the launch was rescheduled to a later date.

President William Ruto is taken through the steps of accessing the Parliament's library during the official opening of Bunge Towers on April 25, 2024 (Photo: PCS)

He was accompanied by Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua and Speakers Moses Wetang'ula (National Assembly), and Amason Kingi (Senate).

Going further, the Head of State told the legislators that they no longer have an excuse not to deliver.

"Members, you now have, according to your own admission world-class facilities. Kenyans expect world-class representation and oversight," Ruto said.

"Looking at the facilities and I tested them this morning, the committee spaces, and the offices, you have now no reason not to give us and the people of Kenya the best of what you can do as our legislators."

A view of the newly opened Bunge Towers on April 25, 2024. (Photo: PCS)

Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi said that the building had elevated the status of Parliament and that comes with expectations, scrutiny and competition.

Speaker Wetang'ula stated that the architectural marvel stands as a testament to foresight and efficiency.

"The 26-storey building is envisioned to eradicate the costly practice of leasing and refurbishing external Parliamentary offices for legislators to discharge their mandate," he said.

"This state-of-the-art facility heralds a new era of legislative excellence, which provides lawmakers with the tools and conducive environment to deliver impactful governance."

Construction of the facility commenced in 2008.

The facility features four underground parking levels capable of accommodating approximately 350 cars, along with 26 committee rooms, a restaurant, and an open garden floor.

Designed to serve as offices for members of the National Assembly, the Senate, and their respective staff, the building promises to centralise parliamentary operations and facilitate collaboration.