Kenyan MPs Embrace Austerity, Take SGR to Mombasa for Regional Games
The Mt Kenya Times 
EALA Parliamentary mps at the SGR heading to the EALA games in Mombasa
By Cynthia Masibo
Members of Kenya’s Parliament on Sunday demonstrated their commitment to supporting President William Ruto’s austerity measures by traveling to Mombasa via the Standard Gauge Railway (SGR) instead of flying. The lawmakers are headed to the coastal city to participate in the East African Legislative Assembly (EALA) Parliamentary Games, a high-profile event aimed at fostering unity and integration among East African Community (EAC) member states.
Speaking at the Nairobi SGR terminus before boarding, Speaker of the National Assembly, who also serves as the President of the Bureau of the Speakers of the EAC, highlighted the significance of the decision to use the SGR. “We consciously decided as Parliament to join the rest of Kenyans in observing the austerity measures set in place by His Excellency the President. By taking the train, we are cutting down on air travel expenses while showcasing the efficiency of our railway system,” he stated.
The EALA Parliamentary Games, hosted this year by Kenya, have drawn delegations from EAC member states, including Uganda, Tanzania, Rwanda, Burundi, the Democratic Republic of Congo, South Sudan, and Somalia. The games serve as both a sporting competition and a platform for dialogue on critical regional matters.
The Speaker underscored the broader objectives of the games, emphasizing their role in deepening regional cooperation. “These games are not just about trophies. They are a process of widening, deepening, and tightening the East African Community engagement by the people of East Africa,” he said.
Participating legislators will not only compete in various sporting disciplines, such as football, volleyball, athletics, and netball, but also act as goodwill ambassadors for their countries. “The members of Parliament will use this opportunity to engage with their colleagues across the region, fostering collaboration on legislative frameworks that harmonize our interests,” he added.
Key topics on the agenda include advancing the EAC’s goals of a customs union, monetary integration, free movement of goods and services, and ultimately, political federation.
Kenya’s coastal counties, including Taita Taveta, Mombasa, Kwale, Kilifi, Tana River, and Lamu, are set to play a prominent role in the event. The Speaker has invited all governors from these regions to join the activities, which will officially kick off on Monday with a grand opening ceremony officiated by President Ruto.
“Our members are upbeat and ready to participate,” the Speaker noted, expressing confidence in Kenya’s teams while emphasizing that the games are about building relationships rather than fierce competition.
Despite the celebratory mood, the Speaker reported a somber incident involving Tanzanian delegates. “I have been informed that one bus carrying some of our colleagues from Tanzania was involved in an accident. Thankfully, there are no fatalities, but some sustained injuries and have been taken to hospital for treatment,” he revealed.
While the incident was unfortunate, the Speaker assured that the affected delegates were receiving medical attention and that a detailed report would be provided upon arrival in Mombasa.
The EALA Parliamentary Games have become a cornerstone event in the EAC calendar, fostering unity and promoting regional cooperation through sports and dialogue. By hosting this year’s edition, Kenya underscores its leadership role in championing the EAC’s vision.
This year’s games arrive at a critical juncture, as EAC member states work towards implementing shared goals, including enhancing economic growth, promoting integration, and addressing shared challenges such as youth unemployment and cross-border trade barriers.
The Speaker called on Kenyans to support the games and the broader EAC agenda. “These events are more than just competitions; they are a testament to our shared aspirations as a region,” he said.
As the Kenyan MPs prepare to alight in Mombasa, the week ahead promises a blend of spirited sportsmanship and constructive dialogue, reaffirming the role of parliamentary diplomacy in shaping the future of East Africa.
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