The Meru MCAs on Wednesday stopped sittings indefinitely in solidarity with other county assemblies in protest to failure by the Salaries and Remuneration Commission (SRC) to increase their salaries.
The MCAs vowed not to conduct any legislative activities until the government addresses their demands of better pay and establishment of a ward equalization fund.
Majority leader Evans Mawira Kaaria, who moved the motion, called on SRC to be aware of their challenges and increase their salaries as per the recommendations of the County Assemblies Forum (CAF).
CAF has proposed that an MCA’s salary be increased from Sh144,000 to Sh400,000.
“Time has come to speak out, especially for the benefit of our people. If we compare what MCAs earn to MPs salary, it is unfair. Our pay should be commensurate with the demands from the electorate,” said Mawira.
He said that the MCAs are custodians of devolution, and if not well taken care of, devolution will die.
“Ward development fund is also vital for the advancement of devolution of resources. We also demand that nominated MCAs get an affirmative kitty so that they can serve the community just like the county MPs,” argued the majority leader.
Mwenda Ithili, the minority leader and Akithi MCA who seconded the motion said MCAs face so many demands from the people, hence the need for better pay.
“Among other elected leaders only MCAs don’t have a kitty to control. We need a fund so that we can support the needs of our people. We are demanding this for the benefit of the people. If well anchored in law, resources will be equally distributed even if MCAs are not in good terms with the governor,” he said.
He laughed off the proposal by SRC to increase MCA’s salaries by Sh10,000 saying the amount was not enough for one meeting.
Lucy Mukaria, a nominated MCA, hit out at the SRC for slashing an MCA’s pay by half.
“I am serving in this house for the second term and what I am earning now is half what I used to earn. SRC cannot conduct its mandate without involving us,” she said.
Ntima West MCA Kathurima Ntururu said an equalization fund would go a long way to enhance development in the grassroots.
“If our remuneration is not looked into, we are all going to turn into beggars. Equalisation fund will ensure development projects are achieved” said Ntururu.
Nkuene MCA Martin Koome Makasi said that they have been neglected for long and it is time they were heard.
“We are the last men standing. All the rest have been considered but MCAs were sidelined. We have a rope around our neck. SRC is a monster, and a monster that we need to deal with now,” said Makasi.
Kiirua Naari ward representative Makena Murugocho and a Member of CAF said there is a need to consider their remuneration for the welfare of the legislators.
“An MP gets 41 percent of the President’s salary, but MCAs get 16pc of the Governor’s salary. Let the MCAs get what can sustain them,” said Murogocho.
The MCAs also argued that SRC has done them injustice for not considering them over the years.
They said that MCAs were key in running the County government, and they must be part of sharing the cake.
However, nominated MCA Ruth Kananu, opposed the motion, saying that increment of salaries would mean more burden to the taxpayer.
“As we talk, Kenya is in an economic crisis. I was to urge all civil servants not to be selfish. I am presenting this from the outcry of our President,” said Kananu.
She added, “The finance bill is burdening Kenyans with the high taxes. If our salaries are increased, how do you think taxpayers will be hit? Let MCAs learn to live within their means.”
The house now stands adjourned with no definite date to resume, with Mr Mawira regretting that some assembly employees earn more than the elected leaders.
“The basic salary of an MCA is Sh86 000 whereas some staff draw more. We expect CAF to sit with the deputy President and a review of salaries is what will determine if we resume sittings,” said Mawira.
Ends…
