National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang’ula has directed Members of Parliament (MPs) traveling to Mombasa for the East African Legislative Assembly games to use the Standard Gauge Railway (SGR) instead of air travel to cut costs. Wetang’ula clarified that the directive applies to all MPs, including himself, emphasizing that the move would be more economical and allow Parliament to facilitate a larger number of MPs to attend the regional event.
“I want to direct that MPs, including yours truly the Speaker, will travel to Mombasa by SGR. You will organize with the Clerk’s office to indicate when you want to travel,” Wetang’ula announced during a parliamentary session on Tuesday. “You will all go by SGR to cut down on costs so that we can be able to facilitate as many of you as possible to participate in the games,” he added.
The games, scheduled to take place in Mombasa from December 6 to December 18, 2024, will bring together parliamentarians from eight East African nations: Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, Rwanda, Burundi, DR Congo, South Sudan, and Somalia. Wetang’ula’s directive aims not only to reduce expenses but also to promote the SGR as a reliable and cost-effective means of transport, enhancing its appeal to the public.
The Speaker encouraged all MPs to attend the games, which aim to foster regional cohesion and unity. He also urged MPs from Mombasa to warmly receive participants, including their East African colleagues.
“Our colleagues from Mombasa are encouraged to lay out a good welcome for your colleagues both from Kenya and from the region,” Wetang’ula said.
During the competition, parliamentarians will participate in various sports, including football, as part of the annual event hosted on a rotational basis by member countries.
