Mp’s Banned from Holding Meetings in Hotels
National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetangula
Wetangula Implements Ban on MPs’ Hotel Meetings
National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetangula has issued a directive prohibiting Members of Parliament from convening meetings in hotels, aligning with government austerity measures.
Parliament’s New Directive
Wetangula’s communication on Friday outlined that all committee sessions must now occur exclusively within Parliament’s premises. Should inadequate space arise, alternative government facilities may be utilized, eliminating the practice of hosting meetings in opulent hotels.
Budget Adjustments in Focus
Acknowledging receipt of Supplementary Estimates for the 2024/25 fiscal year from the National Treasury, Wetangula emphasized the necessity to streamline the Ksh.3.9 trillion budget and enforce reductions across all governmental branches.
Compliance with Legislative Guidelines
Wetangula’s actions adhere to the National Assembly Standing Orders, which mandate speakers to relay Executive messages during parliamentary recesses, with deliberation resuming upon their return.
Immediate Committee Responsibilities
The Budget and Appropriations Committee has been tasked to oversee the process, solicit public opinion, and submit findings to the House before July 24. This ensures deliberations on the Supplementary Estimates and requisite legislation to enforce proposed spending cuts proceed seamlessly.
Administrative Directives
In addition, Wetangula instructed Samuel Njoroge, the National Assembly’s clerk, to disseminate notifications to all MPs, publish the Supplementary Estimates on the parliamentary website, facilitate committee discussions, and enforce all meetings within Parliament’s precincts.
Public Backlash and Government Response
President William Ruto‘s administration faced public scrutiny for perceived extravagant spending amidst economic hardships, prompting widespread protests and subsequent governmental actions.
Presidential Response and Austerity Measures
Responding to public outcry, President Ruto withdrew the Finance Bill 2024 and dissolved his Cabinet, initiating stringent measures such as discontinuing budgets for the First and Second Lady’s offices, reducing government advisors by 50%, and dismantling 47 redundant state corporations.
Fiscal Policy Adjustments
Additional measures included eliminating confidential budgets in Executive offices and halving funds allocated for government renovations, all aimed at aligning expenditures with public expectations amidst economic challenges.
