'I expect world-class legislation': Ruto sets high expectations for MPs as he officially opens Bunge Tower

President William Ruto has declared that he expects a "world-class" performance from Kenyan Members of Parliament (MPs) after opening the Ksh.9.6 billion Bunge Tower.

Speaking during the launch in Nairobi on Thursday, Ruto noted that there will be no room for excuses for delivering subpar services given that legislators have been given quality facilities to execute their mandate.

"Because you now have world-class facilities we expect world-class legislation and oversight," said Ruto.

"Parliament has no choice but to rise to the new era inaugurated by the opening of Bunge Tower and deliver rigorous, effective, and representative legislation."

Acknowledging the milestone the nation has achieved by building the 28-storey tower, President Ruto recounted how different leaders operated when he joined politics (1997) as leaders did not even have offices to work from.

"There was no office for any MP here and we became the first occupants after two years under the leadership of Speaker Ole Kaparo to occupy Continental House," Ruto narrated.

"It had many challenges but it was a great improvement from working from our private offices or from the parking lot in our cars."

He therefore expressed optimism that MPs will exhibit quality performance, noting that the resources availed to them should aid in quality legislation.

He also vowed his commitment to aid parliament with any help it needs in administering its duties to the Kenyan electorate.

"I have no doubt that the quality of debate, having opened the Library and each MP having some research people to work with, the quality of debate, of representation and legislation, is going to greatly improve," he said.

"You have a moral and constitutional obligation to reciprocate the sacrifices the people of Kenya have made by intensifying your efforts to render a strong contribution in deepening the democracy of Kenya and entrenching the rule of law."

Ruto however warned that the facility should not provide room for largesse and waste of public resources, calling for diligent leadership and that MPs should be willing to be held accountable.

"This building is not a monument to extravagance in the service of vanity. It is not intended to symbolise entitlement or impunity in the sense of the ability of legislators to appropriate and expend public resources without accountability," said Ruto.

The facility will house a set of luxurious amenities for Kenyan legislators including a gym, a beauty parlour, a restaurant, and house committee rooms.

Linking the offices with parliament buildings is an underground tunnel for the security and comfort of MPs.