• National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang’ula has taken a bold step to enforce government austerity measures by mandating that Members of Parliament (MPs) traveling to Mombasa for the East African Community Inter-Parliamentary Games use the Standard Gauge Railway (SGR) instead of flights. The directive aims to slash travel costs and set an example of fiscal responsibility in public service.

The Speaker of the National Assembly, Moses Wetang’ula has taken a bold step to enforce government austerity measures by mandating that Members of Parliament (MPs) travelling to Mombasa for the East African Community Inter-Parliamentary Games use the Standard Gauge Railway (SGR) instead of flights. The directive aims to slash travel costs and set an example of fiscal responsibility in public service.

Addressing Parliament on Tuesday, November 19, 2024, Wetang’ula reiterated his commitment to minimizing expenses, emphasizing that even he would adhere to the directive. “I want to make it clear that all MPs, myself included, will travel to Mombasa via SGR. This is part of our commitment to reducing costs and ensuring maximum participation in the games,” said Wetang’ula.

The East African Community Inter-Parliamentary Games, scheduled for December 6-18, 2024, will bring together legislators from Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, Rwanda, Burundi, the Democratic Republic of Congo, South Sudan, and Somalia. The event, established by the 2009 resolution of the EAC Bureau of Speakers, serves to foster unity and collaboration among member state

National Assembly Majority Leader Kimani Ichung’wah lauded the Speaker’s directive, urging all lawmakers to embrace the use of SGR. “As hosts of this year’s games, let us lead by example. On December 6, I encourage all of us to join Speaker Wetang’ula on the 6:00 am train to Mombasa. This is not just about cost-cutting but about promoting teamwork and setting a precedent for prudent resource use,” Ichung’wah stated.

This directive aligns with the government’s broader austerity agenda, aimed at reducing public expenditure amid mounting fiscal pressures. Wetang’ula emphasized that these measures are crucial for ensuring more MPs can participate in the games while remaining within budgetary constraints.

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The move has sparked mixed reactions, with some praising it as a necessary step towards accountability, while others questioned whether the symbolic savings outweigh the logistical challenges. Nonetheless, the Speaker’s decision signals a significant shift in how public officials approach taxpayer-funded activities.