County Representatives press on with go-slow in demand for fat perks

By TITUS TOO, BRYAN TUMWA and FRED KIBOR

Kenya: Members of County Assemblies in North Rift have vowed not to resume business until the salary commission meets their demands.

Assembly sittings have been halted as they wait a visit by the Salaries and Remuneration Commission (SRC) officials to counties.

In Uasin Gishu, there is paralysis since budget and the county cabinet have not been approved. Governor Jackson Mandago, however, said vetting for the cabinet nominees is ongoing. In Nandi County, the assembly only convened a special meeting last week where they passed all 10 county executive committee nominees for appointment before proceeding on recess. “They are still on recess as they await SRC to give direction on the matter, but we thank them for putting the interest of the county first,” said Deputy Governor Dominic Biwott.

Meanwhile, all four counties in Western are yet to successfully complete budget making process even as they continue to spend money.

Bungoma County Governor Kenneth Lusaka was forced to redraft his budget after the initial draft met stiff resistance from the public.

The Sh5.5 billion budget was rejected by the public because of contentious issues. For instance, Sh50 million had been allocated to fight pornography.

In Busia County, Governor Sospeter Ojaamong’ has gone back to the drawing board to harmonise the budget before the second draft is resubmitted for public scrutiny.