Ward reps spend Sh15m on trips abroad ‘to learn’

By ERIC LUNGAI

Vihiga, Kenya: Vihiga Members of the County Assembly (MCAs) used close to Sh15 million in the last two weeks on foreign trips meant for what they called “fact finding”.

More than 25 MCAs travelled to Kampala, Uganda, for a week-long visit where they benchmarked with the Ugandan national assembly.

Another group of 10 MCAs, who are members of the Committee on Infrastructure, travelled with County Executive Member for Roads and Infrastructure Silas Kemboi to Singapore on a similar mission.

“Singapore is developed and we want to learn few things that can be of great help to the county,” Kemboi told The Standard.

MCAs who travelled to Kampala said they learnt a lot from the trip. Elizabeth Anaya, who was part of the delegation, said the trip was a timely learning experience.

“It is true that MCAs will be travelling to Singapore and Kampala. This is a positive move because we are in a learning process and we want to learn how others have succeeded where we have not,” Mrs Anaya had said during a thanksgiving ceremony for Navuhi Primary School before leaving the country.

Last week, the MCAs travelling to Kampala arrived at Kisumu International Airport in a cheerful mood.

Vihiga Governor Moses Akaranga said there was nothing wrong with the MCAs travelling abroad, adding that he was waiting for their reports on the gains from the trips.

High levels of poverty

“I am waiting for a report before I comment on their foreign trips. Otherwise, I don’t see anything wrong with them provided they help sharpen their skills,” said the governor.

Leaders in the county have also supported the trips, saying they should learn how to carry out their new roles from other successful institutions.

However, many residents have aired their disgruntlement concerning the lavish spending by MCAs on the trips, in a county that suffers astounding levels of poverty and unemployment.

“Instead of spending Sh15 million, the MCAs should have slashed their expenditures so that the money can help people who are barely earning enough to survive on,” said Justus Simiyu, a resident.

Before their trips, the MCAs had been on Akaranga’s neck about his trips to the US and Germany.

The Vihiga county assembly is composed mainly of United Democratic Forum members allied to Musalia Mudavadi, who is also the Amani Coalition leader.