Nairobi County Assembly Speaker Ken Ngondi has defended the county's move to purchase its mace for Sh30 million.
Speaking on Thursday, Ngondi said the amount was the lowest the mace could be sold at.
"My friend, I do not procure nor work in the procurement department but it is out of understanding and a lot of research that is the minimum we could go as a county. We don't have anything less than that," he said.
The Nairobi County Assembly is planning to purchase a new 18-carat gold-plated mace worth Sh30 million.
The County Speaker said it contains a safe and comes with a secure room.
"It is just the other day when Nakuru County procured a mace worth Sh24 million."
Ngondi said the tender has already been advertised with the closing date set for February 12, 2024.
However, Kileleshwa MCA Robert Alai criticised the impending purchase.
The MCA questioned why the county was prioritising the mace at the expense of other urgent development matters.
"It’s wrong for the Nairobi City County Assembly to buy a new mace as if that’s the most urgent thing. There are many things which should be spent on. A mace shouldn’t be a priority," Alai said.
"I condemn this tender and call on Nairobians to resist this wanton wastage of funds."
The tender documents reveal that the county assembly specified that the head, neck, crest, shaft and tail of the mace will all be 18-carat gold-plated.
The documents also highlight that the mace's weight will range from 10kg to 10.5kg, with a height of approximately 1.2 meters.
Its shaft is supposed to consist of six pieces, each crafted in brass and silver-plated.
The separation of these pieces will be marked by seven solid brass rings, plated in 18-carat gold.
The tender documents also indicate that the Nairobi Expressway image will symbolise technological advancement, juxtaposed with the Kenyatta International Conference Centre representing architectural achievements and Nairobi National Park embodying the natural environment.
Additionally, an image of Second World War memorial soldiers will signify national heritage and freedom while the City Hall building will serve as a reference to devolution.
The tail of the mace will conclude with a solid brass foot plated in 18-carat gold.