Tiny post, big houses: Majestic mansions that our MCAs have built

The MCA's post has emerged among the powerful ones under devolution, given the regional lawmakers play an oversight role over billions disbursed to counties, which makes the former councillor's post in the past local authorities pale in comparison.

This year, Sh301 billion including conditional grants has been allocated to the 47 counties, a huge allocation placed under the oversight of the country's 2,222 MCAs across the regional parliaments.

Of the number, 1,450 are elected and 772 nominated to the county assemblies that also approve county budgets and make laws to be enforced by county governments.

On average, an MCA takes home Sh250,000 per month, which translates to a total of about half a billion in salaries every month. This is more than the money allocated to an average government department.

The perks arose out of a deal hammered out with the Office of the Controller of Budget in 2013, allowing MCAs higher salaries and allowances, including mortgages, car grants, ward offices and a budget for hiring drivers, bodyguards and secretaries.

Here are some of the homes built by MCAs