There was chaos at KICC on Wednesday as Members of the County Assembly chased away Devolution Principle Secretary Teresia Mbaika from their inaugural meeting at Kenyatta International Convention Centre (KICC)
The Ward representatives wanted to discuss matters on development funds and therefore wanted the executive out.
The MCAs also expected President William Ruto to show up at the event and address their concerns instead of sending a representative.
According to a notice, the MCAs were to meet at 9:00 a.m. to discuss issues affecting the counties.
“The 2,200 honourable Members of County Assemblies will be congregating in Nairobi on May 3, 2023, at the KICC as they deliberate on many issues affecting the counties and their performance of representative, oversight and legislative roles,” the notice read in part.
The MCAs’ demands to Ruto, which they expected to be met, included better recognition, respect, and equity in their working conditions.
Despite having an abundance of work, they complained that their offices lacked adequate funds.
In addition, they complained about low pay in comparison to their colleagues in Parliament.
MCAs issued new demands to President William Ruto on Friday, April 14, asking why they were not entitled to a pension like members of the National Assembly and Senate.
“For instance, the Ksh109,000 quarterly ward imprest is expected to pay office rent and 3 staff members for the MCAs.
“Which office will you rent at a maximum of Ksh 18,000 monthly in Kitusuru, Parklands, Karen, Kileleshwa and Kilimani and still use the remaining Ksh18,000 to pay 3 employees?” they questioned.
The MCAs stated that they were working to establish a County Assemblies Service Commission to address their welfare concerns.
