In a show of commitment to government austerity measures, Members of Parliament (MPs) attending the East Africa Community Parliamentary Games opted to travel by Standard Gauge Railway (SGR) instead of flying. This decision underscores efforts to cut government spending and promote fiscal responsibility.
Speaking at the Nairobi Railway Terminus on Friday, December 6, National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang’ula highlighted the move as a conscious step towards reducing costs and easing the burden on taxpayers.
The switch to rail travel reportedly saved over KSh 1.8 million for 50 MPs compared to the cost of air travel. The MPs also emphasized the importance of experiencing public facilities they champion for citizens, such as the SGR, to foster accountability and advocacy for improved services.
This action aligns with the broader government strategy to implement cost-cutting measures while demonstrating a commitment to prudent use of public funds.
We did consciously decide as Parliament that, to join the rest of Kenyans in observing the austerity measures set in place by the President, we will cut down on our costs of air travel by taking the SGR train,” Wetang’ula explained.
MPs also defended the decision, arguing that this experience helped them better understand the public’s everyday struggles.
Alego Usonga MP Samuel Atandi stated that it was beneficial to have a feel of what MPs strive to ensure is delivered for Kenyans.
“In future let MPs use some of these public facilities because we can’t build these facilities for other Kenyans while us leaders we don’t use them,” Atandi stated.
Train vs. Air: MPs Save Millions by Choosing SGR for Parliamentary Games
MPs attending the East Africa Community Parliamentary Games significantly reduced travel costs by opting for train travel over air. A round-trip business class flight to Mombasa typically costs around KSh 70,000 per person. In contrast, the Standard Gauge Railway (SGR) tickets ranged between KSh 4,500 and KSh 12,000, saving over KSh 60,000 per MP.
For this trip, some MPs chose the Premium VIP Coach at KSh 12,000, while others opted for the First Class Coach at KSh 4,500. The total expenditure for approximately 50 MPs using the SGR amounted to around KSh 1.2 million—substantially lower than the estimated KSh 3 million it would have cost for air travel via Kenya Airways.
This decision, which saved taxpayers over KSh 1.8 million, comes in response to increasing public scrutiny over perceived government overspending. By choosing the SGR, MPs not only addressed these concerns but also demonstrated fiscal responsibility and support for public infrastructure.