Ruto: No more money for MPs to meet in hotels as Bunge Tower officially opens

President William Ruto has told Members of Parliament (MPs) that there will be no more money for them to hold meetings in hotels after the completion of the new Bunge Tower.

Speaking during the opening of the Tower, President Ruto said he expects Parliament's budget to be reduced significantly in the 2024/2025 budget as there will be no more travel expenses for MPs.

"There will be no more requests for travel to hotels because we now have committee rooms here. I want to see a reduction in Parliament's budget," said President Ruto. 

President Ruto also urged MPs to live up to the expectations of Kenyans by ensuring that resources are not misappropriated.

In his speech, President Ruto told MPs that since they now have the best facility, they should reciprocate by delivering quality legislation and services to the people.

"The people now expect world-class representation and oversight. You have no reason not to give the best to the people of Kenya," President Ruto told the MPs.

Dr Ruto told the MPs that the public had done their part to ensure that they got the funds to complete the building. MPs must reciprocate by delivering quality services.

Construction of the 26-storey building began in 2008. The tower has four underground parking levels for about 350 cars, 26 committee rooms, a restaurant and an open garden floor.

The building will house offices for members of the National Assembly, the Senate and their staff.

The completion and occupation of the building will save Parliament millions of shillings that it has spent on renting and renovating offices for MPs in privately owned buildings.