Cost-Saving MPs Opt for SGR Over Flights to Mombasa Games
In a bold show of support for government austerity measures, Members of Parliament (MPs) ditched flights for rail travel. They used the Standard Gauge Railway (SGR) to attend the East Africa Community Parliamentary Games in Mombasa.
Speaking at the Nairobi Railway Terminus on Friday, December 6, National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang’ula highlighted their decision. “We consciously chose to join Kenyans in observing austerity measures set by the President. Traveling by SGR significantly cuts costs,” he explained.
Experiencing Everyday Challenges
The MPs defended their move, arguing it allowed them to connect with ordinary Kenyans’ daily realities. Alego Usonga MP Samuel Atandi encouraged fellow leaders to use public facilities more often.
“In the future, MPs should use public services. We can’t build these facilities for others and ignore them ourselves,” Atandi said.
Impressive Savings Achieved
Flying to Mombasa on a round-trip business class ticket typically costs KSh 70,000 per MP. The SGR ticket, however, cost just KSh 10,000 per person, saving over KSh 60,000 per MP.
Even MPs who opted for the Premium VIP Coach at KSh 12,000 or First Class at KSh 4,500 still spent far less. With an estimated 50 MPs traveling, the return trip cost around KSh 1.2 million. This was significantly less than the KSh 3 million required for air travel.
Public Response and Government Spending
The MPs’ decision comes amid growing criticism of wasteful government spending. By adopting cost-cutting measures, they aim to rebuild public trust and show solidarity with ordinary citizens.
“This is an essential step toward addressing public concerns over unnecessary government expenditure,” Wetang’ula added.
The move serves as a reminder to leaders that setting an example matters, especially in difficult economic times.
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Cost-Saving MPs Opt for SGR Over Flights to Mombasa Games
