Delegates at Meru devolution conference complain of exorbitant hotel charges.

Delegates attending the third annual national devolution conference in Meru have complained over increased accommodation charges in the town.

A spot check by the Nation also revealed that most of the hotels had more than tripled their charges.

The delegates, including members of county assemblies, urged organisers of the event to address the matter urgently.

Speaking Tuesday at Meru National Polytechnic where the conference is being held, Busia County chief of protocol Pekol Mrade said he had received many complaints from participants over exorbitant charges.

"Some of them who came on Thursday were being charged Sh600 per night in some hotels before it shot up to Sh2,000 per room.

“Others who were paying Sh3,000 were told to pay Sh8,000 from yesterday,” he said.

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500PC RATES INCREASE

The participants from various counties complained that there had been over 500 per cent increase in hotel accommodation rates and petitioned governors to ensure the scenario is not repeated in future conferences.

MCAs who were putting up at Shadenet Hotel and Junction Hotel said they were paying Sh3,000 until Monday but from Monday the charges rose to Sh8,000 while some hotels which were charging Sh1,200 raised their rates to Sh5,000.

"Our per diem according to Sarah Serem's circular is Sh7,000 per day for towns like Meru.

"Where do they expect us to get more funds to sustain ourselves in Meru?

A survey by the Nation indicated that most of the major hotels like the prestigious Alba Hotel were fully reserved for guests attending the conference by December 2015.

A number of “smaller” hotels were also renovated to cash in on the high number of visitors.

Although more than 6,000 delegates are expected to attend the conference to be opened by President Uhuru Kenyatta Wednesday, Meru has a bed capacity to cater for only 2,500 guests forcing most visitors to seek accommodation in neighbouring towns like Isiolo, Nanyuki and Chuka.

Source: Daily Nation