County Assembly Members’ Welfare Discussed in Senate Committee Meeting

Nairobi- Abakaile MCA Hajir Dahiye, along with other members of the Association of Members of the County Assembly (AMCA), led a delegation to the Senate to discuss matters affecting the regional lawmakers. 

The delegation met with the Senate Committee on Devolution and Intergovernmental Relations, chaired by Wajir Senator Mohamed Abass, to discuss the welfare of Members of County Assemblies (MCAs).

The meeting, attended by representatives from the Salaries and Remuneration Commission (SRC), Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA), County Assemblies Forum (CAF), and AMCA, aimed to address various issues pertaining to the salaries and benefits of MCAs.

During the session, SRC Chairperson Mrs. Lyn Mengich provided insights into the historical remuneration packages for MCAs. 

She highlighted that the Commission had initially set the monthly gross remuneration for MCAs in 2013, with a minimum of Ksh 79,200 and a maximum of Ksh 105,600 over a five-year period. 

However, these figures were revised in November 2013, following a job re-evaluation, setting the new minimum at Ksh 123,750 and the maximum at Ksh 165,000 for the fifth year of the term.

Mrs. Mengich explained that the decision to establish a fixed gross remuneration for the entire period of service was made to address implementation challenges associated with annual increments, especially for re-elected or re-nominated MCAs joining after a general election. 

However, the remuneration structure published in the gazette notice No. 6518 of July 7, 2017, was later invalidated by the High Court.

Looking ahead, the SRC has proposed a remuneration package for the Third County Assemblies (2022-2027). 

Due to the economic impact of COVID-19, there was no review of remuneration for the 2022/23 financial year. 

For the period 2023/2024-2026/2027, the SRC said it had suggested a proposed gross remuneration package of Ksh. 216,881, compared to the current figure of Ksh. 206,775.

One of the topics discussed in the meeting was the abolition of the sitting allowance for MCAs. 

Mrs. Mengich clarified that the responsibilities undertaken by MCAs during plenary sittings were already factored into their job evaluation. 

“Therefore, the gross monthly remuneration of Ksh. 144,375 encompasses compensation for plenary sittings, making sitting allowances redundant and no longer payable.”

Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) clarified its role in the matter, stating that remuneration and benefit issues, such as salary reductions and the removal of sitting allowances, fall under the jurisdiction of the SRC rather than KRA. 

KRA issued an advisory on the taxability of Car Reimbursement to all 47 County Assemblies on November 9, 2022.

During the session, lawmakers raised questions about the higher remuneration of County Executive Committee Members (CECs) compared to MCAs, despite the latter’s involvement in oversight responsibilities and grassroots community work.

The SRC has been asked to provide a documented report within 21 days, explaining the criteria and factors used to evaluate and determine the remuneration of MCAs. 

They also requested the suspension of the publication of the circular proposing a Ksh. 10,000 increase in the salaries of MCAs until the committee concludes its deliberations. 

Additionally, the committee urged KRA to submit a list of MCAs who are Persons With Disabilities (PWDs) and exempted from paying taxes within 14 days.

During the Senate Committee meeting on the welfare of Members of County Assemblies (MCAs), Abakaile MCA Hajir Dahiye, who led the delegation of AMCA members, shared his comments and concerns regarding the remuneration of MCAs.

MCA Hajir Dahiye expressed his dissatisfaction with the current salary structure for MCAs, particularly in comparison to the higher remuneration received by County Executive Committee Members (CECs). 

He highlighted that MCAs are responsible for oversighting the county administration and are deeply involved in grassroots work, making their roles crucial in local governance. 

He emphasized on the need for transparency in the evaluation process used by the SRC to determine the remuneration of MCAs. 

Members of the County assembly have demanded for equitable remuneration that accurately reflects their roles and responsibilities within the county governance structure.