How MCAs spent millions in sittings

Members of the Nairobi County Assembly overshot their budget allocation for sitting allowances, with each taking home on average Sh262,088 per month in the 2013/2014 financial year.

A report by Controller of Budget Agnes Odhiambo says the 127 MCAs gobbled up Sh299.9 million against an allocation of Sh160 million.

The Salaries and Remuneration Committee (SRC) sets a ceiling of 32 sittings, 16 for the plenary sessions and 16 during committee meetings. The rate per sitting is Sh3,900.

If the directive had been followed, each MCA would have earned Sh124,800 per month.

Nairobi is closely followed by West Pokot, where the 32 MCAs earned an average of Sh238,564 per month for the third quarter of the 2013/2014 financial year.

Out of the Sh120 million allocated for such allowances, the 32 MCAs used about Sh68.7 million.

Nyamira County came third after paying its 33 members an average of Sh237,037 each per month.

According to SRC’s Budget Implementation Review Report, the sitting allowance may be the only vote where most counties scored more than 100 per cent in spending.

Mrs Odhiambo cited lack of adherence to directives from the SRC. She said she wanted the orders to be followed to control such spending.

“The office has observed that counties have not adhered to circulars issued by commissions and independent offices on the remuneration and benefits of staff, especially allowances. Counties should ensure full compliance with all government circulars. Failure to comply negates the principle of prudent and proper use of public resources,” says the report.

It further notes discrepancies in the payments by some counties.

The average sitting allowance per MCA per month ranges from Sh17,219 in Isiolo County to Sh262,088 in Nairobi County.

Kakamega spent Sh82.6 million against an allocation of Sh52.5 million.