A few weeks ago, Kenya’s President William Ruto banned government officials from holding meetings in 5-star hotels in new austerity measures.
In his first speech as president to parliament, the Head of State instructed the National Treasury to cut KSh 300 billion from annual government spending to bring the country back to sanity.
“I have instructed Treasury to work with ministries to find savings of 300 billion shillings in this year’s budget,” President William Ruto said.
However, the Kericho County government defied the austerity measures put in place by President William Ruto as the Speaker of the County approved a KSh 2 million spending at the Weston Hotel.
Weston Hotel is owned by Kenya’s President William Ruto.
Kericho County Assembly Leader of Majority Paul Chirchir had requested the facilitation of 37 Members of the County Assembly at President Ruto’s luxurious hotel.
On Tuesday, November 15, county Speaker Patrick Mutai approved the request and sanctioned the county legislators to travel to Nairobi’s Weston Hotel in what could cost taxpayers to the tune of KSh 2.1 million.
During their five-day stay in Nairobi, the county lawmakers are expected to pre-vet the list of nominated County Chief Officers.
“In reference to standing order No.177, I hereby request for facilitation of all members of the county assembly to Nairobi (Weston hotel) from 15th November 22 to 20th November 22,
“The purpose of the meeting is to conduct a pre-vetting of County Chief Officers nominees,” Chirchir stated in a memo.
A report by the Nation reveals that the MCAs are entitled to a night allowance of KSh14,000 per night while the Speaker draws KSh 16,800 among other benefits.
The same amount applies per day when they travel to Naivasha, Kisumu, and Mombasa counties.
The amount excludes the allowances the committee clerks, drivers and other cadres of county assembly employees would be paid by the assembly for accompanying the MCAs to Nairobi for the training.
