Parliamentary committees have resumed holding meetings in high-end hotels, shifting from Bunge Towers despite government directives on austerity.
The move has sparked concerns over the financial burden placed on taxpayers, who will cover sitting allowances, conference fees, and accommodation costs for MPs attending these sessions.
Committees from both the National Assembly and the Senate have recently held sittings at luxury venues, including Four Points by Sheraton JKIA, Hilton Garden Inn, Holiday Inn at Two Rivers, and Glee Hotel in Kiambu. Notably, the National Assembly Committee on Blue Economy has relocated its meetings entirely to Hilton Garden Inn since March 24.
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The cost of hosting these sessions is significant, with venues charging approximately Ksh 3,800 per person. Accommodation at Four Points by Sheraton is priced at Ksh 19,400 per night, adding to the already substantial expenses. Additionally, MPs receive allowances of up to Ksh 240,000 monthly.
National Assembly Clerk Samuel Njoroge has defended the decision, attributing it to a shortage of committee rooms.
He further stated that Parliament had reduced external sittings by 90% and that some meetings were co-funded, though he did not specify by whom.
Despite these justifications, the return to high-end hotel meetings has drawn criticism, especially at a time when the government has been advocating for financial prudence and budget cuts across various sectors. The move is expected to fuel further debate on public spending priorities and accountability in governance.