Kenya has two levels of legislation, the National Assembly and the Senate. The National Assembly comprises 290 Members of Parliament, 47 Woman Representatives, and nominated members. On the other hand, the Senate comprises 47 elected Senators representing the 47 counties and the nominated members.
One of their primary responsibilities is to speak for the residents of their constituency in the National Assembly. They deliberate on and resolve issues of concern to the people. They review the conduct in the office of the President, the Deputy President, and other state officers and initiate the process of removing them from office if the need arises.
The legislators are employed by the Parliamentary Service Commission, although their salaries and allowances are regulated by the Salaries and Remunaratiotion Commission (SRC).
In August SRC abolished the plenary sitting allowances for the members of parliament. However, SRC enhanced their gross salaries to Ksh710,000 from Ksh621,250.
The committee sitting allowances for the new MPs will remain at Ksh7,500 per sitting, with a monthly cap of Ksh120,000.
Additionally, they will receive Ksh7,550,000 in motor vehicle grants for the purchase of a car with an engine not bigger than 3000cc for official purposes. In addition, MPs will get Ksh356,525 per month in car maintenance allowances.
Committee allowances were allowed to remain, and plenary sitting allowances were included in their compensation. The MPs, however, challenged the situation in court.
MPs make Ksh620,000 after taxes before any benefits, such as mileage, expenses for plenary sessions, and committee meetings, among others. In the 13th parliament, the MPs elected in the August 9 election will earn Ksh710,000.
Read: SRC Announces Hefty Remuneration Cuts For Civil Servants
Senators
A senator’s principal duties include participating in the legislative process by examining, debating, and passing laws pertaining to counties.
They also represent the counties’ and their governments’ interests and determine how resources are distributed in each county. The Senate is considered to be the upper house of the legislature.
In Kenya, a senator receives a basic salary of Ksh750,000 in addition to all government allowances. Senators also take advantage of additional services provided by the government, including security and automobiles.
Senators receive monthly stipends to cover their costs. This includes a house allowance of Ksh30,000, a medical allowance of Ksh50,000, a sitting allowance of Ksh50,000, and a furniture allowance of Ksh15,000. Some senators also receive hardship payments of Ksh60,000. The hardship allowance, however, is determined by the county the senator is representing.
Read: MPs Plot To Disband SRC For Eliminating Sitting Allowances
Woman Rep
A woman representative is a Kenya member of the National Assembly who occupies a seat designated for female members to represent a county.
They are tasked with promoting the rights of women and girls and supporting laws that benefit women.
In Kenya, a woman representative is in place to make sure that girls’ rights are upheld.
The monthly remuneration for a women’s representative in Kenya is Ksh710,000 plus other allowances meant for Members of the National Assembly.
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