Kakamega MCAs suspend meetings as they demand higher salaries

Kakamega District Assembly Members (MCAs) have suspended their meetings to demand better pay from the Salaries and Remuneration Commission (SRC).

The MCAs have now decided to focus only on attending committee meetings, where the extensive oversight work is carried out.

Last year, the SRC abolished plenary sitting allowances for MCAs.

The MCAs join 24 other district assemblies across the country that have suspended operations in solidarity and protest against what they say are poor working conditions.

At the request of Majority Leader Philip Maina, district parliamentarians decided to suspend their plenary sessions to show their solidarity with their colleagues who have suspended their sessions.

“To be clear, we are not closed indefinitely. According to our calendar, we were supposed to take a short break from July 14 to July 24, but MPs have decided to adjourn the sittings of the House in advance so that they have enough time to consult with various government agencies about our welfare,” Maina explained.

He said the MCAs had suspended their plenary sessions until the SRC addressed their plight.

“Members will continue to hold other oversight and representation mandates through various committees,” said Maina. The motion was supported by all members present. The meeting was chaired by Speaker James Namatsi.

Maina noted that during the recess, the MCAs will have some time to interact with the voters in their respective wards and their families.

In early May this year, MCAs from 47 district assemblies met in Nairobi and passed several resolutions calling for a review of their salaries and other issues affecting their welfare.

Their demands include requiring the SRC to reinstate mileage allowances to match AA rates, reinstate plenary session allowances, review members’ remuneration and other benefits, grant financial autonomy to district assemblies to effectively discharge their mandates, and enshrine in law the establishment of a District Development Fund and a District Confirmation Fund for nominated MCAs.

During the debate on the motion, members questioned the justification for the SRC awarding him a salary of just under Sh86,000, when governors and other elected politicians earn high salaries ranging from Sh500,000 to Sh1 million.

Nominated MCA Godliver Omondi urged senators to join MCAs in demanding better remuneration.

Donald Okumu, MCA of Koyonzo District, called for fairness and justice, as did his counterpart Charles Nandwa of Marama North and Boniface Osanga of Khalaba District.