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Details of VW Passat Ndungu used to Parliament for Budget reading
- In 2009, Treasury acquired 130 Passat vehicles for Cabinet secretaries at a cost of Sh499.5 million.
- Then Finance Minister Uhuru Kenyatta defended the deal saying the vehicles were the cheapest for VIPs in terms of maintenance and engine capacity.
Treasury CS Njuguna Ndung’u on Thursday arrived at Parliament buildings for 2023-2024 budget reading in style.
The short distance drive from Treasury Buildings started along Harambee Avenue for his first most demanding assignment since he assumed office.
As per the tradition, the CS was driven in the ceremonial grey Volkswagen Passat under heavy police guard all the way to Parliament Buildings.
He was accompanied by PS Chris Kiptoo among other government officials including new CBK Governor Kamau Thugge.
Ndungu made a memorable entrance into Parliament where he was received by elected and nominated leaders of the House.
It took him slightly over three hours for Ndungu to deliver the Sh3.68 trillion budget, President Ruto’s maiden since he took over from Uhuru Kenyatta in September 2022.
However, many Kenyans were quick to point out that the VW Passat was a luxurious car that wasn’t necessary particularly at a time the country is grappling with hard economic times.
In 2009, Treasury acquired 130 Passat vehicles for Cabinet secretaries at a cost of Sh499.5 million.
Then Finance Minister Uhuru Kenyatta defended the deal saying the vehicles were the cheapest for VIPs in terms of maintenance and engine capacity.
As such, the Volkswagen Passat became the official vehicles for government officials, replacing fuel guzzlers.
A spot check by the Star shows that the Volkswagen Passat Ndungu used on Thursday for his inaugural trip to parliament as Treasury CS is the same one that was used by his predecessor Ukur Yatani.
The Volkswagen Passat is a series of large family cars manufactured and marketed by the German automobile manufacturer Volkswagen since 1973.
The Volkswagen Passat costs around $27,295 (Sh3.8 million).
The Passat Limited Edition rides on 15-spoke, 18-inch wheels and has distinct exterior detailing.
Along with an assortment of upscale interior features–including leather upholstery, heated front and rear seats, built-in navigation, and a Fender audio system.
The Passat has a single powertrain option, a 174-hp turbocharged 2.0-litre four-cylinder and a six-speed automatic transmission.
