This archive report was first published on 1 October 2019.
Published on October 1, 2019, six nominees shortlisted to represent Parliament in the Salaries and Remuneration Commission (SRC) have vowed to fight for better pay for MPs.
The nominees, who appeared before the Parliamentary Service Commission (PSC) for vetting, argued that the 416 MPs have been unfairly targeted by SRC in its mandate of managing the country's wage bill.
Former Wajir Senator Abdirahman Ali, two-time nominated MP Amina Abadalla, former Butere MP Andrew Toboso, former Uasin Gishu Senator Isack Melly, former Butula MP Michael Onyura, and former Kakamega Woman Representative Rachel Ameso were among those interviewed.
The nominees claimed that MPs are State officers just like cabinet secretaries and judges but are not enjoying certain privileges like house allowances.
Abdirahman Ali told the vetting team that he will seek to have other commissioners in the salary team understand the role of an MP for commensurate remuneration.
“There is so much negativity being portrayed about Parliament. If appointed, I will try and create a positive image showing the institution is not a money-making institution,” said Ali.
Amina Abadalla stated that there was a lot of misinformation about MPs' perks, saying that some officers in government were having better facilities than elected leaders.
Andrew Toboso said that his appointment as a commissioner to SRC will help address the current wrangles between the two commissions.
Isack Melly said he would push for dialogue between SRC and the PSC to ensure that any decision by SRC is arrived at after stakeholder engagement.
“I will look at the interest of MPs to ensure that that Parliament performs its mandate by getting the necessary allowances such as mileage, car grants and house allowance,” he said.
