City Affairs

Nairobi County Assembly’s Sh30m gold mace triggers public ire

An image of the entrance of City Hall. (Photo: Courtesy)

By Lucy Mumbi | Wednesday, January 31, 2024

The Nairobi County Assembly is under scrutiny for proposing a tender for an 18-carat gold-plated mace.

The Nairobi County Assembly is under scrutiny for proposing a tender for an 18-carat gold-plated mace, set to cost taxpayers Sh30 million.

An 18-carat gold-plated mace, intended to enhance the richness of parliamentary tradition and symbolize the authority of the legislature, is causing controversy in the Nairobi County Assembly. Kileleshwa MCA Robert Alai criticized the proposal, stating that the government should prioritize spending on essential matters affecting Kenyan citizens rather than on a mace.

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Alai expressed his disapproval, saying, "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. I condemn this tender and call on Nairobians to resist this wanton wastage of funds."

The tender document outlines specific details for the mace, including a pyramid design with three solid brass mounts, engraved with Nairobi County crests gilded with 18ct yellow gold. The mace's neck and struts should be made of solid brass, plated in 18ct gold, and adorned with precious stones symbolizing power and authority.

The mace's weight is expected to range from 10kg to 10.5kg, with a height of approximately 1.2 meters. The shaft, crafted in brass, will consist of six pieces, separated by seven solid brass rings plated in 18 carat gold. The upper base, made from solid brass with inscriptions representing the 85 wards of Nairobi County, will be plated in 999 fine silver.

Additionally, the county plans to procure a vault safety box for the storage of the mace, emphasizing its fire-resistant features and the need for quality in the production process. The successful bidder is required to produce a dummy mace resembling the original in aesthetics but not material content.

The ceremonial mace is a highly ornamented and is carried by a mace-bearer, symbolizing authority in civic ceremonies and parliamentary proceedings.