President Ruto to officially open Ksh.9.6B Bunge Tower on Friday

President William Ruto will on Friday preside over the official opening of the Ksh.9.6 billion Bunge Tower, National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetangula has announced.

The ceremony will commence at 9am with attendees, the Members of Parliament, expected to be seated by 8:30am.

Wetangula's announcement comes despite negative publicity surrounding the opening of the building commissioned by the Parliamentary Service Commission (PSC) to provide modern and efficient office spaces for MPs.

In a communiqué to MPs on Wednesday, Wetangula highlighted the significance of the event, emphasizing the long-awaited completion of the Parliamentary complex.

"Appreciating the journey leading to the achievement of this milestone, I wish to inform the House that His Excellency Dr. William Samoei Ruto, CGH, President of the Republic of Kenya & Commander-in-Chief of the Kenya Defence Forces has acceded to our request to grace the Official Opening Ceremony of the Tower on Friday. 19th Anril 2024," said Wetangula.

"The opening of this building will mark a monumental step in the history of Parliament, given that Members of Parliament have been renting office spaces outside the Parliamentary Square, at times, making it difficult to attend Plenary Sittings and Committee meetings."

He additionally stated that the phased relocation of MPs to the premises, which started on Thursday last week, has been proceeding optimally with more than 50 legislators having shifted to the new complex already.

"I am pleased to note that great progress has been made towards relocating Members and as of Tuesday, 16th April 2024, fifty-eight (58) Members had moved into the Bunge Tower," said Wetangula.

"Members earmarked to move during the first phase of the relocation are encouraged to liaise with the Clerk to ensure seamless completion of this important exercise."  

The National Assembly Speaker subsequently extended invitations to the legislators for the opening ceremony.

"I take this opportunity to invite all Honourable Members to the official opening of the Bunge Tower by His Excellency the President on Friday, 19th April 2024, at the forecourt of the building. The programme of events will commence at 9.00 am. All guests are expected to be seated by 8.30 am.," he said.