MPs give aides Sh.2.2bn send-off pay at end of 5-year term

MPs have earmarked Sh2.2 billion in their budget as gratuity for their staff ahead of the August 8 General Election.
Workers attached to the 350 MPs will share out Sh1.78 billion in gratuity payments.

Those working for the 68 senators have been allocated Sh439 million, according to reports tabled in Parliament last week

The money will benefit hundreds of subordinate staff including bodyguards, drivers, office secretaries, county and constituency offices workers and watchmen.

“The (money) shall be used to cater for the one-off expenditure in the 12th Parliament,” said an advisory from the Parliamentary Service Commission (PSC).

This is contained in the Sh40 billion Parliamentary budget for the year starting July.

The tabling of the budget had been delayed by more than a month.

The terms of service for the staff attached to MPs either at their Nairobi, county or constituency offices are tied to the five-year tenure of lawmakers, which ends on August 7.

Salaries of MPs staff are met by taxpayers through a constituency staffing scheme mooted in 2005, adding to their comfort given their position among the best paid legislators in Africa.

The MPs will also walk away with Sh6.7 million each at the end of their term, drawing from the Sh2.8 billion that the Treasury has allocated for gratuity.

Politicians argue they deserve the high compensation because constituents expect them to provide support.