Garissa Governor Nathif Jama has insisted that his government is not in a position to pay former municipal and county councillors. The legislators are expected to pocket Sh1.5 million gratuity and Sh30,000 monthly pay each. In addition to this amount, Jama’s government has to provide them with medical cover as demanded. Speaking on Tuesday during a meeting with 50 ex-Councillors in his office, the governor said that county government would need more Sh500 million to pay all the 380 former Councillors. Jama said that his government will not manage to settle them since the money is not part of the county budget, adding that the Senate is the only savior to their plight. “If the Senate can pass the necessary laws and follow up with the necessary funding from the exchequer, which the national government can budget for, we as a county government have no problem in distributing the money,” he said, as quoted by Star..Speaking to the press, the ex-Councillors’ chairman, Abdimalik Affey said that they have not be given pensions and gratuity packages despite having served as state officials in past regimes. He also said other counties in the nation are holding talks with ex Councillors to see how they can be paid. On his part, Secretary general Ahmed Dahir urged Jama and other stakeholders to ensure that they get their benefits.
Garissa Governor Nathif Jama at a past function. He has said his government has no funds to pay ex councilors. www.nation.co.ke