Commission of Implementation faults MPs over amendments

By KURIAN MUSA

NAIROBI, KENYA: Chairman of the Commission of Implementation for the Constitution Charles Nyachae has said the move by Parliament to amend the Constitution is an assault to the newly promulgated document.

“This should not be a decision by the Parliament but that of all Kenyans,” the CIC boss said.

He was referring to the Constitution of Kenya (Amendment Bill) 2013 which currently at the floor of the House.

“The MPs are distancing themselves from Salaries and Remuneration Commission while they created the institution,” he said.

He said the CIC advisory is that the amendments need to meet a set of standards.

Mr Nyachae took a swipe at the drafters of the Bill by accusing them of primarily seeking to remove the MPs from SRC’s watch.

He said the greatest threat to the Constitution is coming from leaders who were recently sworn in to protect the Constitution.

The Bill also seeks the separation of powers between various arms of government and the MPs don’t to be want to be viewed as State officers.

Wage bill

Civil society organisations working to promote democracy and accountability have faulted the Bill introduced by Hon Samuel Chepkonga.

Speaking at a forum convened in a Nairobi hotel, SRC Sarah Serem chairperson said that the timing for the amendment and the rationale does not bode well for the country.

“Will the amendment advance the public good while ensuring legal, political, and economic stability. Does it suit the needs and demands of our society?” asked Ms Serem.

She said that in the past one year, SRC has managed to reduce the state officers wage bill from Sh12.8 billion to Sh11.4 billion through the goodwill of Kenyans.

In the past, Kenyan MPs had a prerogative of setting their salaries, pursuant to the National Assembly Remuneration Act.

SRC called on other commissions like the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission, the Teachers Service Commission and the National Police Service Commission and the 15 other commissions that are seeking independence to perform their tasks.

“We will support you in developing a sustainable wage bill in the country,” Serem said.