Members supported Finance Minister Uhuru Kenyatta’s proposal to have Cabinet ministers and public officers relinquish cars with engine capacity exceeding 1800cc as part of Government measures to cut costs.

Assistant ministers Joseph Nkaiserry (Defence) and Cecily Mbarire (Tourism) also joined the MPs, arguing the move would help cut Government expenditure.

Mr Nkaiserry urged President Kibaki and Prime Minister Raila Odinga to fire ministers who fail to comply with the directive.

Ms Mbarire noted it was necessary for the Cabinet to be realistic and comply with the directive.

"We need to tighten our belts as public officers. It is time for us to realise we need to sacrifice some luxuries. All of us must accept this proposal," she told the House amid applause.

But Wildlife Assistant Minister Josphat Nanok called for clarification on implementation of the directive, saying Uhuru contradicted himself by banning purchase of vehicles, yet most of those owned by Government are above 1800cc and new ones will be needed.

Amina Abdallah (Nominated, Kanu), Mr Cyrus Jirongo (Lugari, Kaddu), Edwin Yinda (Alego Usonga, ODM) and Yusuf Chanzu (Vihiga, ODM) said the money used to buy and fuel the guzzlers could be channeled towards food security programmes. Ms Abdallah called for confiscation of vehicles that do not comply with the specifications by the end of the month.

Chanzu asked the minister to compile reports every four months on the achievements made over the surrender of the vehicles.

Trim Cabinet

Contributing to Budget debate, Yinda urged Kibaki and Raila to trim the Cabinet to 16 or 20 members, arguing the bloated Cabinet of 42 is sinking away enormous amounts at a time the country is staring starvation in the face.

The MP also called upon Mr Uhuru to consider reviewing taxation downwards, saying Kenyans are some of the most heavily taxed in the world. He also urged fellow MPs to contribute to development by paying tax.

Assistant Minister Katoo ole Metito, Mr Philip Kaloki (Kibwezi, ODM-K) and Mr Mohammed Affey (Nominated, ODM-K) also praised the Finance minister for devolving funds to constituency level, but called for effective management.

— Stories by Alex Ndegwa, Peter Opiyo and Martin Mutua