This archive report was first published on 9 July 2019.
Kenya's economy is one of the poorest in the world, yet its lawmakers are among the highest-paid. The irony is stark, especially when considering the lawmakers' recent demands for new perks.
According to a memorandum submitted to the Salaries and Remuneration Commission (SRC), the lawmakers are seeking a range of new benefits, including a 'night duty' allowance. This allowance is already in place, but the lawmakers want it to be paid to them even when they are in Nairobi for legislative duties.
The lawmakers' argument is that they are away from their constituencies when in Nairobi, and therefore, the taxpayer should pay for their stay in the city. However, this argument rings hollow, especially when considering the lawmakers' already generous salaries and benefits.
As reported in July 2017, the lawmakers had already awarded themselves a Sh250,000 house allowance on top of a generous mortgage scheme. They also receive obscene compensation for doing the job for which they were elected, with payment of sitting allowances in parliamentary committees being particularly obnoxious.
The committee work is at the core of the legislative mandate and agenda. Why should they be paid separately to undertake this? The lawmakers' demands for new perks are getting out of hand, and it's a shame that they have become serial extortionists.
President Uhuru Kenyatta should not hesitate to invoke his Executive powers under the Constitution to save the country from this mess, the principle of separation of powers notwithstanding. The lawmakers owe the hardworking taxpayers a debt of gratitude for the sacrifice to keep the country running, and must hang their heads in shame.
