A section of Kenyans has reacted angrily to reports the government is planning to spend Sh2.5 billion for Kenya at 50 celebrations later in the year.
MPs and members of the civil society hit out at the government over the planned expenditure, describing it as “extravagant display of opulence” at a time Kenyans are going through hard economic times.
Vihiga Senator George Khaniri told the government it is “not wise” to spend such extravagantly at this time.
“We appreciate the need to celebrate our heritage, but let’s not go overboard. It is not a wise idea to spend such an amount when the country is facing unprecedented industrial unrests,” he said.
“It should not appear that the government is spending a fortune in this kind of project when nurses, teachers, the police are demanding for higher pay.”
The senator challenged the Jubilee government to get its priorities right and focus more on projects that will improve the welfare of the people.
It emerged yesterday that the government could spend up to Sh2.5 billion for celebrations to mark 50 years since Kenya got independence.
The proposal includes spending Sh690 million for events management and logistics, Sh286 million for conference and exhibition and Sh300 million for publicity and communication.
Other proposed expenditures include Sh20 million for erecting billboards with images of the past presidents, Sh50 million for making a bronze statue of former President Mwai Kibaki and spending Sh320 million for purchasing dresses for personalities among others.
Kiminini MP Chris Wamalwa cautioned the government against spending “such kind of money” when “there are strikes all over” and a time it is exploring to plug the holes in the Sh1.6 trillion budget
“The government cannot use this kind of money for celebration when they are forcing Kenyans to pay VAT on very basic commodities, like medicine,” said Wamalwa.
The Coalition for Constitution Implementation said in a statement it was dismayed by the plans, terming the proposal “a serious economic crime that should never be allowed to happen”.
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