National Assembly Speaker Justin Muturi, who also chairs the Parliamentary Service Commission (PSC), has exposed Kitutu Chache North Member of Parliament (MP) Jimmy Angwenyi on his challenges with technology.
While justifying the need for a Ksh90 Million grant to buy iPads for MPs, Muturi noted that even the 73-year-old parliamentarian would be tutored on how to use the device.
"Some of the members like Jimmy Angwenyi who have challenges in operating these gadgets will be tutored by the experts. You will be inducted and trained to become IT compliant," Muturi noted during a session in parliament.
A simple calculation estimates the cost of each of the 349 required iPads for MP will cost Ksh250,000 each, where the current market retail price ranges between Ksh100,000 and Ksh220,000.
[caption caption="Government official takes a photo using a tablet during a past event at State House, Nairobi"]
[/caption]
Analysts further questioned the spending citing that the MPs were likely to allocate a further budget for a retreat where they would go to allegedly receive training on how to use the gadgets.
MPs debated the adornment motion that was tabled by Majority Leader Aden Duale citing that the iPads would make information on the day's business easily accessible to parliamentarians.
Minority Leader John Mbadi supported the motion as well stated that it is a positive step toward a paperless parliament.
He, however, assured members of the public that he would question the costing of the equipment and demand print-outs to be discontinued as soon as the iPads are purchased.
Mbadi gave an example of the Kisumu County Assembly where 50 members of County Assembly purchased iPads worth Ksh5 Million yet they were still using papers at the House.
Public Service Commissioners Adan Keynan and Lorna Mumelo told reporters that they were unaware of the proposal by MPs to go paperless at the stated cost.
[caption caption="MPs engage in conversations as they leave parliament buildings after a past session"]
[/caption]
