The National Assembly Speaker, Moses Wetangula, has assured MPs that their car allowances and mortgage privileges will be preserved following negotiations with the Salaries and Remuneration Commission (SRC).
Speaking on the first day of a week-long MP induction retreat in Safari Park hotel, Wetangula stated that he will seek an audience with SRC and deliberate on restoring the benefits MPs were enjoying.
He assured the legislators that as Speaker, he will ensure that the reform is implemented and that any changes will be minor.
“Nobody in their right frame of mind will interfere with your car allowances, mileage reimbursements and with your mortgage and everything else you have been having because that is your entitlement,” Wetangula said.
“And as your speaker, I will ensure that we engage positively and we have advised SRC that they are not frustraters but facilitators of Members of Parliament to do their work. We can assure you that nothing will change and if it changes it will not be substantial,” he added.
According to Wetangula, SRC Chairperson Lyn Mengich will address MPs at the induction retreat.
“SRC will be engaged fully, I have invited the chair, she will be here, but she will come after I have made the communications I have told you.”
Speaker Wetangula also urged the new legislators to become acquainted with the Constitution, which will serve as a guide in House meetings as they contribute to a bill.
“I want to encourage new members, please take the earliest opportunity to learn. Please acquaint yourself with the Constitution of the Republic of Kenya that you have taken an oath to protect, preserve and defend it, so that anything we do in the floor of the house is guided by the law,” urged Wetangula.
The reports come months after SRC boss Lyn Mengich announced the abolition of the allowances, claiming that it is part of a new review of State officers’ remuneration and benefits.
Ms. Mengich also stated that the commission considered consultative public engagements with the public in making its decision, as well as a 2019 judgment by the Employment and Labour Relations court urging the deconsolidation of State officer remuneration.
