Lobby writes to SRC in MPs’ allowances probe

A lobby group has launched an inquiry into circumstances under which the Salaries and Remuneration Commission granted MPs extra perks in mileage allowance.

In a move to promote accountability, Katiba Institute has formally requested the SRC and the Parliamentary Service Commission (PSC) to disclose the information.

The lobby wants detailed information on the employment terms, salaries and benefits of Senators and members of the National Assembly.

The request, made under Article 35 of the constitution and the Access to Information Act, seeks to shed light on how legislators’ pay is determined and whether it aligns with legal and economic realities.   

In the letters, dated March 30, 2025, the group asked the SRC to provide evidence of comparative labour market surveys used to set parliamentary salaries, as required by law.

KI also wants to know whether the SRC has recommended any changes to MPs’ pay since 2011.

Additionally, the institute seeks to be informed on whether lawmakers are classified as full-time or part-time employees and has demanded documents outlining the criteria for setting sitting allowances.

Allowances remain a contentious issue given past allegations of MPs getting excessive amounts for minimal legislative work.   

From the Parliamentary Service Commission, KI seeks copies of employment contracts for MPs and Senators, including their salary structures, allowances and retirement benefits.

The request includes having records of any reviews or adjustments made to these terms since 2011 availed, raising questions about whether such changes were justified or are merely self-serving.

Of particular interest is whether the PSC considers legislators full-time employees, given the nature of their work.

Shocking details recently emerged of how MPs arm-twisted SRC to grant all of them mileage allowances, including those who cover short distances.

The commission granted the 416 MPs a fixed mileage of Sh366,011 per month, translating to about Sh2 billion per year.

This would be besides a car maintenance allowance of Sh356,500 per month. Other monetary benefits include a committee sitting allowance.

The new mileage allowance was paid from April 1, coming at a time MPs’ pay is considered to surpass that of the President.

Mileage allowance for many MPs can double the lawmakers gross salary (of Sh725,500), especially those from far-flung areas.

As taxpayers shoulder the burden of maintaining MPs, the high cost has triggered frustration among members of the public.

Kenya faces huge economic challenges, including rising public debt and austerity measures affecting ordinary citizens.

Despite the woes, MPs have repeatedly approved hefty perks for themselves as teachers, doctors and other civil servants fight for fair wages.  

Audit reports have flagged that some earn millions in allowances on top of their salaries, with others processing fake claims from which they rake in large sums.

Legal experts argue that KI’s request is not only justified but necessary for enforcing constitutional principles.

Article 35 of the constitution guarantees citizens the right to access information held by the state.

The Access to Information Act provides the legal framework for such disclosures.

KI could escalate the matter to the Commission on Administrative Justice or even the courts, should the SRC and PSC fail to respond. 

Civil society groups have welcomed the move, noting that secrecy around MPs’ pay fuels distrust in government.

“Taxpayers have a right to know how their money is being used,” said Chris Owala, an activist checkmating public spending. 

“If MPs have nothing to hide, they should have no problem releasing these documents.”