TI calls for overhaul of House committee

Transparency International wants the Parliamentary Service Commission overhauled to stem the abuse of powers and privileges by MPs.

An overhaul in the body that regulates how Parliament is run is needed if the legislative body is to function properly according to a report released on Thursday.

Anti-graft watchdog, Transparency International (TI) Kenya released a report that studied the integrity of Kenya’s Parliament and the report found that the Parliamentary Service Commission’s (PSC) can no longer act its role as Parliament’s monitor in its present form.

This has lead to Members of Parliament using the body for personal needs at the expense of Kenyans.

“Through the PSC, MPs not only achieve their ends regarding their own welfare (e.g. increasing salary and other perks) but also use parliamentary service as a conduit for dispensing patronage,” the report said.

Travel allowances

In particular the report says that the PSC has been unable to tame the exploitation of travel allowances by MPs, which at many times are unnecessary.

The size and the nature of the parliamentary delegations was also questioned, with some countries complaining that Kenyan delegations are too big, added TI.

The PSC which sets remunerations and allowances has the power to cut budgets but under the current arrangement where its membership is fully comprised of MPs, a conflict of interest is created making it difficult for fiscal austerity to be practised.

The report also recommends that the budgets for committee trips should also be apportioned to committees on the basis of their own needs as opposed to the blanket budget currently used.

Other recommendations include the amendment of the Public Service Act to bar individuals whose integrity is questionable to stand in committees such as the Public Investment Committee.

The Kenya Anti Corruption Commission in the meantime has said that it is investigating how the report on the controversial cemetery deal was leaked and has said that those who violated the law with regard to confidentiality will be prosecuted.