Eric Shimoli
18 June 2008
Nairobi — MPs are asking for Sh656.7 million more than they received last year to cater for live coverage of parliamentary proceedings and a new redesigned debating chamber, among others.
It is part of a Sh7.2 billion Budget for Parliament, in which MPs are also asking for money for a new four-wheel-drive vehicle and chase car for the Speaker, foreign and local travel allowances, a pension scheme for former MPs and an official house for the Clerk of the National Assembly, Mr Patrick Gichohi.
Since 2001, MPs have presented their own Budget, separate from the national one read by the Finance Minister.
Speaker's car
The House has traditionally and speedily approved the budget without amendment.
According to estimates, Sh35 million has been set aside to buy new cars, including a new Sport Utility Vehicle (SUV) for the Speaker, Mr Kenneth Marende.
The money will also be used to buy a chase car for the Speaker, a new addition to Parliament's budget.
Mr Marende will be the latest among top Government officers to enjoy the services of a chase car, after President Kibaki, Vice-President Kalonzo Musyoka and Prime Minister Raila Odinga.
Others who have such privileges include Deputy PMs Musalia Mudavadi and Uhuru Kenyatta, Police Commissioner Hussein Ali, Chief of General Staff Gen Jeremiah Kianga and Chief Justice Evan Gicheru.
Mr Marende's SUV will be in addition to his official Mercedes limousine.
Parliament's debating chamber is scheduled for redesign and refurbishment at Sh360 million. The job had been budgeted to cost Sh800 million, but former Speaker Francis ole Kaparo overruled it, arguing that the figure was exaggerated.
The chamber is supposed to be redesigned to a horse-shoe shape, similar to the US congress debating chambers.
The House has also budgeted for Sh185 million to buy broadcast equipment to allow live coverage of proceedings.
Radio broadcasts will be introduced first, followed by TV transmissions.
MPs' stand
Mr Kimunya said live broadcasts would have been introduced by the time MPs debate the proposed law that will make them pay taxes on their allowances "for people to know the stand taken by their MPs".
The Clerk will get a new official residence to be bought at Sh50 million. A similar house was bought for the Speaker several years ago.
MPs have also budgeted for Sh256 million for their foreign travels between now and end of June next year. They have also set aside Sh95 million as membership fees, dues and subscription for international organisations.
The Speaker will also benefit from an additional Sh8 million to buy furniture for his official residence and some equipment for the catering department.
Parliament has also budgeted Sh2.5 million to add to the allocation given by the National Aids Control Council for HIV/Aids awareness and purchase of ARVs for "the critically ill in parliament".
The House has also set aside Sh200 million to pay duty for MPs' duty free cars. Previously no tax was paid for the cars but the system was changed to provide for an allocation from the Treasury to pay the Kenya Revenue Authority.
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This is ABSOLUTELY obscene!! You would be hard pressed to find a more selfish bunch of politicians. Peoples lost lives and livelihoods on account of their lack of statesmanship and they can't even think of cutting down on their expenses?!
Unadulterated materialism, as displayed by Kenya's rapacious politicians does not augur well for the future of the country.