This archive report was first published on 8 August 2019.
Published on August 8, 2019
Parliament's decision to send a large delegation of 85 MPs and staff to a conference in the US has sparked controversy, with many questioning the justification for such an extravagant trip.
While attending international conferences is a legitimate part of international collaboration and networking, it must be done in a justifiable manner. In this case, the sheer size of the delegation raises eyebrows, especially considering the limited speaking slots and side meetings available.
According to critics, the trip is not only unnecessary but also a waste of public resources. With the country facing tough economic times, cost-cutting and austerity measures are the order of the day. Various arms of government have had to cut their expenditures, and it is puzzling that Parliament would engage in profligate spending.
Several foreign embassies in Nairobi have expressed disdain at Kenyan politicians' and top government officials' obsession with traveling to their countries under various pretexts, but which visits never yield tangible benefits to Kenyans.
Speakers Justin Muturi and Ken Lusaka must take a closer look at the trip and rationalize it. Only a few MPs should travel, if they must, and on the condition that they submit a report to Parliament. It is time to stop such largesse when everybody else is making sacrifices.
