Senators turn cars into offices after being kicked out of KICC
More than 50 senators are without offices after they were asked to move out of the KICC in Nairobi to provide space for the World Trade Organisation conference slated for December.
The lawmakers were asked to vacate their offices in the building last week. They are expected to return to the KICC in February.
Some of the senators have complained that they were not given adequate notice to move out, saying they do not have a place where they can meet their constituents.
However, Senate Speaker Ekwee Ethuro asked the lawmakers to move out as soon as possible to avoid inconveniencing the WTO secretariat, which is setting up office in the KICC in readiness for the global conference slated for December 13 to 18.
“I urge the affected senators to relocate without further delay in order to free the offices for the WTO use,” he said.
Senate committee leaders are not affected as their offices are located at Parliament Buildings while others are in County Hall.
REFUNDED RENT
Mr Ethuro said the affected senators would be refunded the money they will use to rent offices elsewhere.
“Affected senators are advised to seek alternative accommodation and liaise with the director, Finance and Accounting Services for reimbursement for the stated period…the KICC will restore the offices to their original state for use by affected Members of Parliament not later that February 1, 2016,” read a circular to the senators.
At the same time, Foreign Affairs CS Amina Mohamed said the government would do everything possible to ensure the conference is successful.
Speaking when she appeared before senators last Thursday, Ms Mohamed said delegates were expected to agree on several protracted trade issues that have remained unresolved.
“Nairobi (conference) must succeed,” she said.