Parliamentary committees have resumed holding meetings in expensive hotels, abandoning Bunge Towers despite the government’s calls for austerity. This move means that taxpayers will be forced to cover the cost of sitting allowances, conference fees, and accommodation for MPs attending these sessions.
The shift to luxurious venues is happening at a time when Kenyans are already struggling with a high cost of living, raising questions about whether public funds are being used responsibly.
Recent sittings have been held at Four Points by Sheraton JKIA, Hilton Garden Inn, Holiday Inn at Two Rivers, and Glee Hotel in Kiambu.
Some committees have completely relocated their meetings, such as the National Assembly Committee on Blue Economy, which has been holding its sessions at Hilton Garden Inn since March 24.
The cost of hosting a single session at these venues is about Ksh 3,800 per person, while accommodation at Four Points by Sheraton costs Ksh 19,400 per night.
These figures highlight the heavy financial burden placed on taxpayers, especially considering that MPs already receive allowances of up to Ksh 240,000 every month.
National Assembly Clerk Samuel Njoroge defended the decision, saying that Parliament faces a shortage of committee rooms. He claimed that external sittings had been reduced by 90% and that some meetings were co-funded.
However, this explanation does little to convince Kenyans who are seeing their taxes being spent on luxurious venues instead of essential public services. The claim of a shortage of rooms also raises questions about the government’s priorities, given that Parliament had previously moved committee meetings to Bunge Towers to cut costs.
This situation is yet another example of the extravagant lifestyle of public officials at the expense of ordinary citizens. It is not the first time MPs have been accused of prioritizing personal comfort over financial discipline.
Similar cases have been reported in the past, with lawmakers frequently seeking allowances and benefits despite the country’s economic struggles.
The use of expensive hotels instead of parliamentary facilities makes it clear that austerity measures only apply to ordinary Kenyans, while those in power continue to enjoy privileges funded by taxpayers.
Public outrage over such spending is expected, especially when the government is imposing higher taxes and reducing subsidies on essential goods. Many Kenyans are likely to see this move as a sign that Parliament is out of touch with reality.
The justification given by the National Assembly Clerk does little to address concerns about wasteful spending. If there is indeed a shortage of committee rooms, the logical solution would be to invest in expanding parliamentary facilities rather than spending millions on hotels.
With the government frequently calling for cost-cutting measures, the decision by MPs to hold meetings in high-end hotels is hypocritical. If austerity is truly a priority, leaders should lead by example instead of adding unnecessary expenses to the already strained national budget. This kind of spending only fuels public frustration and distrust in government institutions.
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