KENYA PRESIDENT SET TO OPEN BUNGE TOWER

Kenya President William Ruto will today officially preside over the opening of Ksh.9.6 billion Bunge Tower. The opening should have been done days ago but was put on halt after the death of Chief of Defence Forces Francis Ogolla and nine other military officers in a tragic air accident at Sindar area, Kaben location, Tot division, in Elgeyo Marakwet County as the President announced a three-day national mourning period.

During a communiqué to MPs on Wednesday, Wetangula highlighted the significance of the event, emphasizing the long-awaited completion of the Parliamentary complex.

According to Wetangula, “Appreciating the journey leading to the achievement of this milestone, I wish to inform the House that His Excellency Dr. William Samoei Ruto, CGH, President of the Republic of Kenya & Commander-in-Chief of the Kenya Defence Forces has acceded to our request to grace the Official Opening Ceremony of the Tower on Friday. 19th April 2024.”

He further stated that “The opening of this building will mark a monumental step in the history of Parliament, given that Members of Parliament have been renting office spaces outside the Parliamentary Square, at times, making it difficult to attend Plenary Sittings and Committee meetings.”

The new building is expected to house all MPs in the National Assembly as so far, fifty-eight (58) Members had moved into the Bunge Tower. Meanwhile, the unveiling comes  despite negative publicity surrounding the opening of the building commissioned by the Parliamentary Service Commission (PSC) to provide modern and efficient office spaces for MPs.

Members are also advised by Wetangula to move during the first phase of the relocation by liaising with the Clerk to ensure seamless completion of this important exercise.

SOURCE: Standard