The plan by MPs to increase their perks through legislation could see some cadres of government employees also demand more benefits, the Salaries and Remuneration Commission (SRC) has said.
The Parliamentary Service Bill, currently before the National Assembly, seeks to empower the Parliamentary Service Commission (PSC) to handle the legislators’ welfare, including reviewing their benefits, but the SRC says the move is unrealistic and likely to be abused.
“The enactment of this bill will result in MPs awarding themselves a house allowance and car allowance among others, which will also be demanded by other State and public officers,” the SRC says in a brief.
Debate on the bill resumes on Tuesday afternoon, and it is expected to be passed by Thursday.
Parliament’s Committee on Justice and Legal Affairs, chaired by Baringo North MP William Cheptumo, introduced controversial clauses (A) and (B) in the bill that, if passed, will see the 416 MPs and senators get enhanced benefits.
