SRC proposes to review system for MPs’ mileage claims

ELDORET: The expenses claims' system for public officers should be reviewed following cases of abuse of mileage allowance by MPs, Salaries and Remuneration Commission (SRC) chairperson Sarah Serem has said.

Ms Serem said it was shocking that an MP could claim more than Sh1.5 million a month in mileage allowance, adding the commission will come up with appropriate policies and rules to check the expenditure.

She explained the commission had sanctioned facilitation for MPs because they operate from Parliament and constituency level but it was improper to abuse the privilege.

Serem spoke in Eldoret after talks with Uasin Gishu County Assembly Speaker Isaac Terer.

She said SRC have been closely monitoring the legislators' conduct since the start of the year and was concerned about by their expenditure.

She was categorical that even as President Uhuru Kenyatta continues to fight against graft, a similar move should to be taken by legislators in Parliament and county assemblies.

"Corruption, if not tamed, will eventually kill our economy. It is our obligation to make sure that we use whatever amount we have been given diligently," she said.

Serem also took a swipe at the county assemblies for over spending on foreign trips.

"It is not bad to travel but assemblies and the executive ought to exercise restraint. Furthermore, there is more to learn from within and not necessarily abroad," she added.

Mr Terer echoed Serem's sentiments and called on legislators to focus more on productivity.

"In order to be accountable, our assembly shall introduce a biometric register next year so that sitting allowances are accurately captured and no element of corruption takes place," he said.