MCAs reject Sh2.4 billion new pay deal

Sarah Serem                  PHOTO:COURTESY

By JAMES MBAKA

Members of county assemblies have once again rejected a new proposal by Salaries and Remuneration Commission (SRC) to increase their pay and benefits by Sh2.64 billion.

SRC led by chair Sarah Serem (pictured) had increased remuneration and allowances for the ward representatives from a total of Sh5 billion to over Sh8.4 billion.

According to SRC, it had increased the MCAs’ pay from a minimum of Sh79,200 and maximum of Sh105,60  to a minimum of Sh123,750 and a maximum of Sh165,000 exclusive of facilitative benefits.

But County Assemblies Governing Forum rejected the new pay structure, adding that the current boycott work boycott will continue until SRC gives into their demands.

Speaking when they met the Senate Committee on Devolved Government, 12 executive members of the forum termed the proposals an insult on their quest to push for better remuneration and accused SRC of arm-twisting them.

Dr Nur Abdi, who is the chairman of the Speakers’ forum, said SRC had given MCAs a raw deal and that they will go on with industrial action until their demands are met.

“We do not concur with the figures put forward by SRC, to say the least, we remain unmoved and we will soldier on with our boycott,” said Nur.

The MCAs want their salaries increased to Sh275,000 from the current Sh79,200. They say their current pay cannot sustain mortgage and car loans.  They have been on strike since May, paralysing operations at county assemblies and disabling county governments, as they have not passed necessary legislations.

Committee chair Kipchumba Murkomen said the team was keen on breaking the stalemate and will table its report before the Senate for way forward. In the new proposal, MCAs were to earn a standard monthly commuter allowance of Sh39,528 payable irrespective of the distance in areas of representation. This is based on a standard distance of 45km (90km return journey).

Airtime allowance

On the other hand, MCAs whose areas of representation are beyond the 90km return journey can claim reimbursement for each extra kilometre covered once a week based on the applicable rates.

The commission also reviewed sitting allowances upwards by 30 per cent and capped the number of sittings at 8 per week.

Under the reviewed remuneration and benefits, the chairperson of committee was to earn Sh6,500 per sitting (Sh208,000 per month sitting allowances), a responsibility allowance of Sh26,000 per month and airtime allowance of Sh5,000.  The vice chair will draw Sh5,200 sitting allowance (Sh166,400 per month), a responsibility allowance of Sh23,000 and airtime allowance of Sh5000 per month.