The push by Members of Parliament (MPs) for more allowances continues to elicit mixed reactions from different quarters.
The Parliamentary Service Commission (PSC) has defended the lawmakers over their demands for more allowances. The MPs want to be paid Sh250, 000 per month as house allowance as well as a night allowance of Sh18,000 to Sh24,000.
The Salaries and Remuneration Commission (SRC) has, however, opposed the lawmakers' demand to get more allowances. According to the SRC, the allowances will lead to an increased wage bill.
In a statement read by Taveta MP Naomi Shaban on Thursday, the MPs argued that SRC has proven that it is treating the lawmakers with disdain. Shaban, who is also the PSC vice chairperson said that the lawmakers deserve better salaries and allowance to deliver their duties with diligence.
“They have a sinister motive against the MPs. Whenever we want to engage them they are always not available but constantly sneaking in gazette notices just weeks to elections reducing MPs’ pay,” said Shaban as quoted by the Daily Nation.
The lawmakers insisted that there is a need to give them more allowances for better service delivery.
Shaban said that it is unfortunate that SRC has been listening to other State officials' concerns but when MPs demand the same, they are made to appear unworthy.