Uhuru Kenyatta’s inauguration to cost Ksh.300 million

President Uhuru Kenyatta’s swearing in ceremony for a second term in office will cost the taxpayer Ksh.300 million shillings, the chairperson of the Assumption of office of the President Committee Joseph Kinyua has revealed.

Speaking to journalists at Kasarani Stadium on Friday, Kinyua assured Kenyans that the committee has only factored in necessities in its budget for the event.

“We are not really spending a lot of money. We are only spending what we’ve been able to put together which is slightly above Ksh.300 million which is adequate. We don’t need again to be seen like we are just out to spend public money,” Kinyua said.

UK travel advice

The head of civil service took issue with the United Kingdom’s issuance of “travel advice” to its nationals in Kenya asking them to avoid opposition strongholds next week.

“The UK is at liberty to advise their citizens. However in my view that is ill advised because the issuance of the advisory does not mean that it will translate to any insecurity at all,” said Kinyua.

“We are prepared and haven’t detected any threats. It is only they (UK government) who can explain the reason for their fear. You have heard them in the past giving travel advisories to their citizens against travelling to Lamu. Our security agencies have satisfied this committee that they have done everything possible to guarantee security before, during and after the event,” said Kinyua.

Dignitaries

He also confirmed that different Heads of State are expected on Tuesday without revealing the number.

The former Treasury Principal Secretary also said that National Super Alliance (NASA) leaders have been invited to the event.

“This is a function that will attract many people from other parts of the world. We will try to ensure that the management of traffic to ensure we do not create a challenge for our public,” he said.