Kikwete's foreign trips gobble billions

Mwana Halisi, Daressalam Investigation by this paper has revealed that during the foreign travels of President Jakaya Kikwete he has spent a total of 120 days overseas. This means in the four years since taking office until end of 2009 he spent four months outside the country, at a cost of Sh 2.4 billion ($ 1.7 million) This is for accommodation and allowances for him and his entourage. Normally such trips involve 15 to 22 people who accompany the head of state. Each of them pocket $ 350 to $ 500 as per diem. This paper has been told that Kikwete has to be accommodated in hotels 'fitting' his status, which means $ 800 to $ 1200 per night. Normally, four other people have to check in at the same hotel with him. Taking example of one trip, from 12 to 26 May 2006 Kikwete travelled to Uganda, UAE, France and USA and the bill came up to Sh 273 million ($ 190.000). When contacted, the State House and Foreign Ministry said this is 'not an unusually huge amount of money' for a presidential visit. (translated from Suaheli by brit. Embassy)