Members of Parliament gathered at the Standard-Gauge Railway (SGR) station in Syokimau on Friday, December 6, 2024, to travel to Mombasa for the East African Community (EAC) Inter-Parliamentary Games, set to begin on Saturday.
The decision to use the train instead of flights was in line with cost-cutting measures introduced by the government.
National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang’ula had earlier directed MPs to opt for the SGR for their trip to the coastal city“Honourable members, as much as we possibly can, on cost-cutting measures, you will (including yours truly) travel to Mombasa via SGR,” Wetang’ula stated.
While it remains unclear if the MPs will travel using the premium SGR service, which costs Ksh12,000 one way, flights to Mombasa can cost as low as Ksh9,800 one way.
The train’s luxury service features spacious VIP lounges, comfortable seating, entertainment facilities, wireless charging, and ample storage.
This travel arrangement comes at a time when the Kenya National Bureau of Statistics reported a decline of 171,803 passengers on SGR trains between January and September 2024 compared to the same period in 2023.
The EAC Inter-Parliamentary Games will bring together legislators from Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda, Rwanda, Burundi, South Sudan, Somalia, and the Democratic Republic of Congo.
The games will kick off with a procession from the Mombasa Governor’s Office to Mama Ngina Waterfront, followed by speeches.
Competitions will include football, netball, athletics, tug of war, volleyball, basketball, golf, darts for Persons with Disabilities, and more.
Key venues include the Kenya Ports Authority’s Mbaraki Stadium for football and athletics, while training and other sports will take place at facilities like Aga Khan Academy and Sheikh Zayed Academy.
The games aim to promote unity among EAC member states through sports.
Competitions will include football, netball, athletics, tug of war, volleyball, basketball, golf, darts for Persons with Disabilities, and more.
Key venues include the Kenya Ports Authority’s Mbaraki Stadium for football and athletics, while training and other sports will take place at facilities like Aga Khan Academy and Sheikh Zayed Academy.
