This archive report was first published on 8 August 2019.
Kenyan MPs' US Trip Sparks Controversy ¶
Kenya has sent the largest number of delegates to the National Conference of State Legislatures (NCSL) in Nashville, Tennessee, with 85 MPs attending the event.
According to the CRA, MPs receive more than KSh 70,000 per day for their trip, while Senators receive over KSh 65,000, and MCAs receive approximately KSh 42,600.
Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) leader Raila Odinga has criticized the large number of MPs attending the conference, saying it has no meaning for the country and that many will not return to report on their experiences.
"It has no meaning for the Parliament and county assemblies to send such a large number of people where few will return and report," Odinga said.
He also questioned the use of public funds for the trip, saying that the government agencies responsible for managing the funds do not know how they will be used.
"These agencies have funds that they do not know how to use, or they do not care about the burden they are placing on taxpayers," Odinga said.
The cost of the trip, including airfare, is estimated to be between KSh 355,000 and KSh 587,000 per person, depending on their rank.
Published on August 8, 2019, at 08:25:04.
