MPs have made new demands after the Salaries and Remuneration Commission (SRC) released a new pay structure that has abolished their mileage and sitting allowances besides reducing their salaries.
They now want the government to provide them with state vehicle bearing the “GK” number just like other state officers since they are not entitled to mileage claims like before.
“Other State officers, like Cabinet secretaries, principal secretaries, parastatal bosses and others, have GK vehicles with personal drivers. MPs’ transport should also be catered for by giving them vehicles to ease their movement,” said Kieni MP Kanini Kega on Wednesday.
SRC on Monday abolished mileage allowance which MPs could claim up to sh2million every month on top of their monthly salaries.
Parliamentarians will now be paid transport dues going by a new structure that has been divided into zones and caps a certain number of kilometers covered within a month.
This, said the MP, is a sound step towards reducing the wage bill that has soared in the last four years of Jubilee rule.
“The move will reduce the wage bill and we welcome it, but they forgot to offer transport alternatives. The zoning capped by levels of kilometres will do good and save more money.”
He said that many people have thrust themselves into the political world in a bid to step into Parliament and get to enjoy the huge allowances that come with the job.
“Some positions have attracted 30 candidates because of the salaries, allowances and other good things that accompany the seats and not because they want to serve the people,” he noted.
President Uhuru Kenyatta lauded the new SRC pay structure.
“The days of wasteful allowances and peculiar but inexplicable payments are behind us. Better and more prosperous days lie ahead,” he said.
He is among top state officers whose salaries were reduced. He will get sh1.4 million down from sh1.6 million while his Deputy, William Ruto gets sh1.2 million down from sh1.4 million.