Concerns have been raised by Kenyans regarding the decision of Members of Parliament to travel by train to Mombasa for the East African Community Inter-Parliamentary Sports Games, with many questioning the actual savings on public funds that this choice may yield.
National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetangula disclosed that the typical round-trip cost for a business class ticket for each MP amounts to an impressive Ksh.70,000, and that utilizing the Standard Gauge Railway (SGR) would lead to a reduction in public expenditure.
“We, as Parliament, have chosen to align with the broader Kenyan populace in implementing austerity measures to curtail spending,” Wetangula stated.
Some MPs utilized the Premium VIP Coach, priced at Ksh.12,000, while others selected the First Class Coach at Ksh.4,500. Consequently, the maximum expenditure for a single MP’s transport to Mombasa and back would be Ksh.24,000.
In comparison, a one-way ticket on Jambojet from Nairobi to Mombasa averages Ksh.16,000, with a return trip estimated at approximately Ksh.29,000.
According to the Kenya Airways website, business class tickets are priced at Ksh.34,000 for a one-way journey, with return fares around Ksh.60,000.
The estimated cost for the return trip for around 50 MPs using the SGR would total Ksh.1.2 million, while Jambojet would amount to Ksh.1.4 million, and Kenya Airways would reach Ksh.3 million.
It is important to note that air tickets purchased one or two months in advance are significantly less expensive. MPs contend that, in addition to adhering to austerity measures, they should occasionally experience train travel to gain a better understanding of the public’s circumstances.
“It is beneficial for us to also enjoy such facilities and infrastructure, not solely for the citizens but for leaders as well,” remarked Alego Usonga MP Samuel Atandi.
Kitui Senator Enock Wambua emphasized, “Parliament is the largest supporter of Kenya Airways, transferring funds from one pocket to another.”
The MPs are set to engage in the inter-parliamentary games, which are scheduled to conclude on December 17th. However, a group of MPs traveling from Tanzania by bus encountered a road accident, resulting in injuries to 16 MPs.
