KENYAN MPs EMBARK ON AUSTERITY JOURNEY TO MOMBASA FOR EAST AFRICAN LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY GAMES.
BY NJOKI KARANJA.
In a move that aligns with President William Ruto's austerity measures, Kenyan Members of Parliament (MPs) on Friday opted for the Standard Gauge Railway (SGR) to travel to Mombasa instead of taking flights. The lawmakers are headed to the coastal city to participate in the much-anticipated East African Legislative Assembly (EALA) Parliamentary Games, an event aimed at strengthening regional unity and cooperation among East African Community (EAC) member states.
Speaking at the Nairobi SGR terminus before boarding, the Speaker of the National Assembly, who also serves as the President of the Bureau of the Speakers of the EAC, emphasized the significance of the decision. “We consciously decided as Parliament to join the rest of Kenyans in observing the austerity measures set in place by His Excellency the President. By taking the train, we are cutting down on air travel expenses while showcasing the efficiency of our railway system,” he said.
This year’s EALA Parliamentary Games, hosted by Kenya, will bring together delegates from the EAC’s member states, including Uganda, Tanzania, Rwanda, Burundi, the Democratic Republic of Congo, South Sudan, and Somalia. The event, which combines sports and dialogue, serves as a platform for fostering deeper regional integration.
The Speaker highlighted the broader objectives of the games, stressing their role in advancing the EAC’s goals of economic integration, including the creation of a customs union, monetary integration, and free movement of goods and services. “These games are not just about trophies. They are a process of widening, deepening, and tightening East African Community engagement,” he noted.
Legislators will participate in various sports such as football, volleyball, athletics, and netball, while also engaging in discussions aimed at harmonizing regional legislative frameworks. “The members of Parliament will use this opportunity to engage with their colleagues across the region, fostering collaboration,” the Speaker added.
As the games unfold, Kenya’s coastal counties, including Mombasa, Kwale, Kilifi, Taita Taveta, Tana River, and Lamu, will play a key role in the event’s activities. The Speaker has also invited the governors of these regions to participate in the opening ceremony on Monday, which will be officiated by President Ruto.
Despite the upbeat mood, the Speaker also reported a somber incident involving Tanzanian delegates. A bus carrying some of the Tanzanian parliamentarians was involved in an accident en route to Mombasa. Although no fatalities were reported, some delegates sustained injuries and have been taken to the hospital. The Speaker assured that those affected are receiving medical care.
The EALA Parliamentary Games have become a hallmark event for regional cooperation, and this year’s edition arrives at a pivotal time when EAC member states are working toward shared goals, including fostering economic growth and addressing cross-border challenges.
The Speaker called on Kenyans to rally behind the games and the broader East African integration agenda. “These events are more than just competitions; they are a testament to our shared aspirations as a region,” he said.
As MPs prepare to engage in spirited sports and constructive dialogue, the week ahead promises to further strengthen the bonds of cooperation and diplomacy within the East African Community.
