The Kenyan parliament plans on going the paperless route by spending almost $350k on Apple Inc. (NADAQ:AAPL) iPads. The new tablets will be used by government representatives and staff. This report first came from Kenyan-based Standard Digital News.
iPads to benefit Kenyan government employees
The iPads will enable government employees to access information and documents digitally to save money. Another big reason behind this purchase is the expected increase in overall productivity. Last year, MP Gladys Wanga said, “This will make life easy for honorable members because even in terms of getting the correct Standing Order that you may want to refer to, you only need to do a search on the Standing Orders on the relevant point.”
Last year, Uganda purchased iPads for 375 government employees. The United Kingdom’s government also purchased Apple tablets for their representatives.
New buildings to be constructed
The request for iPads came right after the parliament members were notified of the Sh5.8 billion office block that would be built right by the office (Continental House). Justin Muturi, speaker of national assembly and PSC chairman, said as soon as the office is complete, the members of parliament can move out of their current offices. The new block of offices will include Protection House, County Hall, Harambee Sacco Plaza, and Parliament Buildings.
Muturi added, “The project was conceived four years ago and we have now handed over the site to the contractor. MPs will be inconvenienced, but they must bear with the commission as we try to make sure that there are adequate offices for MPs, staff and committee rooms.”
There are about 349 members of parliament and 67 senators with two staff members. The house has 600 employees. Thanks to the increased mandate, more people will be recruited for records management, research, and library research. Extra committee clerks will be hired to help with all 30 committees.
