MPs task PSC to fight to retain high pay
National Assembly Minority Leader John Mbadi addresses journalists at Parliament Buildings in Nairobi on February 7, 2018. He wants MPs to continue earning high pay. PHOTO | JEFF ANGOTE | NATION MEDIA GROUP
What you need to know:
- High Court judge George Odunga temporarily stopped SRC from implementing the reduced salaries and benefits.
- Borabu MP Ben Momanyi said they will ensure that MPs get back mileage claims.
Members of Parliament have vowed not to relent in their quest to permanently retain their current pay.
They tasked new members of the Parliamentary Service Commission (PSC) to engage with the Salaries and Remuneration Commission (SRC).
Immediately after the lawmakers unanimously approved nine members to the powerful commission on Thursday, the MPs led by National Assembly Minority Leader John Mbadi asked the commissioners to engage the SRC in what he termed as selective slashing of the salaries of MPs.
“I want the commissioners who we have approved to engage effectively with SRC on the selective issue of salaries, the review of salaries should not be only for MPs but the entire civil service as per the mandate of SRC in the constitution,” Mr Mbadi said.
MILEAGE
Last year, the SRC reduced MPs pay from Sh710,000 to Sh621,250 per month.
However, High Court judge George Odunga temporarily stopped SRC from implementing the reduced salaries and benefits.
Borabu MP Ben Momanyi, who was controversially appointed to the commission, said they will ensure MPs get back mileage claims as well revisit the issue of salaries.
“The matter of salaries is still in court but obviously it is one of the things we will look at. We want members to feel comfortable,” Mr Momanyi said.
MEMBERS
In choosing their nominees to PSC, the opposition dropped Homa Bay Woman Rep Gladys Wanga and settled on Malindi MP Aisha Jumwa, Vihiga Senator George Khaniri and Mr Momanyi while Jubilee settled on senators Aaron Cheruiyot (Kericho), Beth Mugo (nominated), Eldas MP Adan Keynan and Taveta MP Naomi Shaban.
In opting to drop Ms Wanga, the opposition denied Jubilee the opportunity to divide the coalition by using its numerical strength to lock her out.
And by picking Ms Jumwa, the opposition also sought to appease the Coast region, which had missed out on all House leadership positions despite its massive support for Nasa.
Jubilee through Majority Leader Aden Duale had earlier vowed to vote out Ms Wanga, claiming she has been abusive to the President.
