Members of the Nyamira County Assembly (MCAs) are enraged over poor pay and unreasonable terms of employment for the county drivers.
In a motion moved on Wednesday by Magwagwa Ward MCA Fred Nyachae, the MCAs pointed an accusing finger at the county public service board for putting drivers on a two-year contract rather than permanent and pensionable terms.
Nyachae, in his report stated that drivers in the county were being paid less salary than the recommended minimum pay of Sh19,000 with allowances as per the Salaries and Remuneration Commission (SRC) guidelines and approval.
He said the drivers applied for the jobs when they were advertised in the daily newspapers with all the terms and conditions of a public servants, but unfortunately the county government decided to put them at a lower grade resulting into their salaries being cut at about a half without allowances and worst of it putting them on contract terms.
“We doubt if the SRC is aware of what is happening with drivers in Nyamira County, and even if it is aware then we are still blaming the county government for not taking up the matter in consultation in order to sort out the issue,” he added.
He said some of the drivers who were well-paid by companies were now demoralised with their current terms in what they call a job in the public service.
Among MCAs who supported the debate were Bokeira Ward MCA Callen Atuya, Kemera Ward James Mating’a and 6 others.