Speaker in dilemma after MPs snub iPads

What you need to know:

  • The MP, who asked not to be named because he was discussing a meeting that was not open to the Press, said the lawmakers were wary of the impression they would create if they accepted the iPads when Standard One pupils were still waiting for the laptops they were promised by the Jubilee Coalition.
  • Mr Muturi said because Parliament included the Senate, it would also have to be consulted.

Parliament is reconsidering plans to buy iPads for MPs after some of them rejected the idea.
Several MPs are said to have opposed the plan when Homa Bay County Woman Representative Gladys Wanga talked about progress on the procurement of the tablets at the last kamukunji (informal meeting).

An MP told the Nation that the opposition arose after Ms Wanga informed the meeting that the iPads were long overdue and that the Parliamentary Service Commission (PSC) was pushing for their delivery.

The MP, who asked not to be named because he was discussing a meeting that was not open to the Press, said the lawmakers were wary of the impression they would create if they accepted the iPads when Standard One pupils were still waiting for the laptops they were promised by the Jubilee Coalition.

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“We said there is no way we can take the iPads when the children of Kenya do not have laptops. We don’t need that luxury spending. It only drives a wedge between us and the people,” he said.
Yesterday, House Speaker Justin Muturi, who is also the commission chairman, admitted that some MPs were unhappy with the plan.

“No concrete decision has been made. When one, two, three or 10 members are opposed to the plan, that does not mean the entire Parliament is,” he said.

Mr Muturi said because Parliament included the Senate, it would also have to be consulted.

In the meantime, he said, the PSC would find ways of keeping MPs upto date on the House’s timetable, Order Paper, Bills, motions and Standing Orders.

“We can have something fixed on their chairs instead of a gadget someone carries,” the Speaker said.

The PSC wanted to buy the gadgets to reduce expenditure on paper.