In a move aimed at promoting austerity and solidarity with ordinary Kenyans, Members of Parliament from the Republic of Kenya on Friday traveled to Mombasa via the Standard Gauge Railway (SGR) to participate in the East African Legislative Assembly (EALA) Parliamentary Games.
Speaking at the Nairobi SGR terminus, National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang’ula emphasized the Parliament’s conscious decision to reduce costs by forgoing air travel. The move aligns with the austerity measures championed by President William Ruto’s administration.
“We did consciously decide as Parliament to join the rest of Kenyans in observing the austerity measures set in place by His Excellency the President. We will cut down on our costs of air freight by going on to the SGR train,” said Speaker Wetang’ula.
The annual EALA Parliamentary Games bring together legislators from East African Community (EAC) member states, including Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, Rwanda, Burundi, South Sudan, the Democratic Republic of Congo, and Somalia.
As the President of the Bureau of the Speakers of the EAC, Speaker Wetang’ula is the principal host of the games. He confirmed that most of the visiting delegations had already arrived in Mombasa and expressed excitement about Kenya’s role in fostering regional unity.
“These games are not just about competition. They are a platform for widening, deepening, and tightening the East African Community engagement by the people of East Africa,” he said.
The games are expected to promote goodwill among legislators while advancing the EAC agenda, including economic growth, free movement of people and goods, and eventual political federation.
The Speaker also extended invitations to governors of coastal counties, including Mombasa, Kwale, Kilifi, Lamu, Taita Taveta, and Tana River, to attend the event. President Ruto is scheduled to officially open the games on Saturday.
However, the trip was marred by news of a bus accident involving members of the Tanzanian delegation. Speaker Wetang’ula confirmed that there were no fatalities but noted that some delegates sustained injuries and were receiving medical attention.
Earlier this year, President William Ruto announced that the government would reduce travel expenditures to minimize the use of public resources.