Although Kenyan MPs are ranked among the best paid in the world, they have complained that they are not treated well compared to Cabinet Secretaries and judges.
Proposals for better terms for legislators — already among the best-paid in the world with a Sh1.2 million salary — are contained in the Parliamentary Service Bill that is set for debate in the National Assembly tomorrow afternoon.
The Bill is partly based on the recommendations of the National Assembly Committee on Justice and Legal Affairs.
The parliamentary committee, chaired by Baringo North MP William Cheptumo, tabled the report in the National Assembly last Thursday.
Among its proposals is that all the 416 members and Speakers of the two Houses of Parliament be given official residences or a “suitable house allowance” in line with the Employment Act.
Leaders of Majority and their deputies as well as Majority and Minority whips and their deputies in both Houses will also be accommodated under this facility to be administered by the Parliamentary Service Commission (PSC), chaired by National Assembly Speaker Justin Muturi.
The proposed housing perks are on top of the Sh20 million mortgage facility that each MP gets and which is subject to an interest rate of three per cent per annum that must be fully paid by the end of the five-year parliamentary term.
Currently, mortgage to MPs is only anchored on regulations and not in law, as is required.
“To enable the members discharge their responsibilities effectively and for efficient functioning of Parliament, these services and facilities shall be provided in such a manner and in such rates as the commission may determine from time to time, taking into account the rate applicable for other state officers,” the report suggests.
MPs also want government cars, just like their 47 County Woman Representative colleagues, and car loans on top of the mileage allowance paid to members of the National Assembly only, and the Sh7 million car grant that they all receive.
Although Kenyan MPs are ranked among the best paid in the world, they have complained that they are not treated well compared to Cabinet Secretaries and judges.
Therefore, the report recommends that they get enhanced medical cover that would include their extended families, as well as improved allowances for domestic and international travel.
The allowance paid to those who travel outside the country is dictated by the foreign country visited.