Surprises in maiden speech keep MPs from dozing

The area around Parliament was serene and quiet with roads closed both to motorists and pedestrians. There were numerous security checks for people wishing to access Parliament grounds.

Police on horseback patrolled the empty streets while their counterparts with sniffer dogs kept vigil at strategic corners. The only motorists allowed through were MPs and ministers in their lavish vehicles. The usual crowd that normally hangs around Parliament was absent, obviously deterred by the heavy security presence.

At Parliament buildings, staff were busy sprucing up in readiness for the garden party after the budget. A red carpet had been laid from the chambers to President tent.

President Kibaki arrived shortly after 2.30 pm and was received by the PM and Vice President. Members of the public and diplomats were seated by 2 pm as parliamentary staff tested the public address system.

MPs started streaming in to the chambers immediately after 2pm in readiness for the presentation of this years budget, and by 2.30pm all the benches were full.

However, the man of the moment was clearly Finance Minister Uhuru Kenyatta who strode into the House at 2.45pm to present his first Budget since his appointment to head Treasury to foot thumping from both sides of the house.

Budget briefcase

Dressed in a dark blue suit, white shirt and maroon tie, Mr Kenyatta was escorted into the chamber by his Planing counterpart Wycliffe Oparanya and Finance assistant minister Oburu Odinga.

Placing the Budget briefcase at the dispatch box, he sat briefly before walking out with ODM chief whip Jakoyo Midiwo and returned a few minutes later accompanied by Prime Minister Raila Odinga. Shortly afterwards, President Kibaki entered the chambers escorted by the clerk of the National Assembly Mr Patrick Gichohi.

Unlike in previous budgets, MPs appeared to follow the speech more attentively with only a few nodding off to sleep as often is the case during such occasions.

At 4.45 pm the Finance minister finished reading his speech. After the garden party, wananchi (citizens) were able to interact with MPs and ministers. The press was however kept well clear off the area.