President William Ruto has urged legislators to support his Universal Health Coverage (UHC) plan that would save them from perennial WhatsApp contributions towards medical bills accumulated by their constituents.
Speaking during the official launch of the Bunge Towers, the President rallied members of parliament to support various plans and projects instituted by the government, specifically the UHC that has been in the conception stage for close to 15 yrs.
The President mentioned that Members of Parliament were going to be the biggest beneficiary of the UHC since it would relieve them from the constant burden of WhatsApp contributions appeals from members of public when settling health bills.
“The people in the WhatsApp group raising money for so and so who has cancer or diabetes are members of the parliament,”
“Members I’m trying to lift this big burden from your shoulders, so let us work together,” said President Ruto.
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President Ruto also stated that no person living in Kenya should be left to shoulder the burden of medical bills which in turn end up reaching MPs through phone calls and WhatsApp messages appealing for help.
“I think it will be good if every citizen can walk into any facility in Kenya and walk away without making any phone call to a Member of Parliament,” he said.
His message came a time the government was pushing to complete the transition from the National Health Insurance Fund (NHIF) to the new Social Health Insurance Fund (SHIF).
President Ruto also issued urged Members of Parliament to leverage the new Bunge Tower to improve their service to the people.
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Stressing the role of parliament in delivering robust representation, legislation, and oversight, President Ruto reiterated the need for rigorous, effective, and consistent performance by lawmakers.
During the unveiling of the Ksh 9.6 billion Bunge Towers, President Ruto pointed out that the facility sends a clear message to Kenyans on legislative duty.
“There will be no tolerance for under-performance or neglect from legislators,” he stated.
Additionally, he directed the Parliamentary Service Commission (PSC) to leverage the new facility to save on cost previously incurred in renting meeting facilities for Members of Parliament and office spaces.
The 28-storey tower boasts a range of luxurious amenities tailored for Kenyan legislators, including a gym, beauty parlor, and restaurant.
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Furthermore, it will provide committee rooms for members to conduct their parliamentary business.
The phased occupancy plan will see members gradually transition to the tower, with phase one involving the relocation of MPs from the Kenyatta International Convention Centre (KICC) or other temporary accommodations, followed by phase two, which will see MPs from Continental House moving into the tower.
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