Committee slashes Kibaki’s office budget

By Allan Kisia

Nairobi, Kenya: Part of the Sh700 million set aside to acquire an office for former President Kibaki has been reallocated to meet the latest demands by teachers.

The Budget and Appropriations Committee also slashed the allocation to the Tourism and Industrialisation ministries by Sh4 billion to go towards the Sh21 billion needed by teachers and university lecturers.

Committee chairman Mutava Musyimi said the amount needed to acquire an office for Kibaki is huge and comes at a time when teachers are demanding for more pay.

The committee further directed the House Education Committee to open up discussions on funds set aside to purchase laptops for primary school pupils.

The Government has allocated Sh17 billion for the purchase of laptops for pupils joining Class One next year.

Teachers in public schools and lecturers have threatened to down their tools unless their pay demands are met.

Musyimi asked the National Treasury Cabinet Secretary Henry Rotich to next week table before the committee the options Government has in dealing with teachers’ demands.

Suleiman Murunga (Kimilili) said the committee will not allow public money to be spent without due diligence on the proposed projects.

“This committee is charged with the responsibility to ensure that the country’s finances are safeguarded. These luxurious acquisitions must stop. We will continue doing what is proper until we get enough money to ensure that the teachers do not go on strike,” Murunga said.