MCAs Demand 700% Pay Rise, Claim They Are “Paid Like Cleaners”
Members of County Assemblies (MCAs) have sparked a national conversation with their bold demand for a 700% salary increase. They argue that their current earnings are grossly inadequate and fail to reflect the weight of their responsibilities. This demand was a central topic at the recently concluded 5th County Assembly Summit in Nairobi, where MCAs also called for the implementation of the Ward Development Fund and financial autonomy from the County Executive. Their push for better pay and independence has ignited a heated debate, with many questioning the feasibility of such a significant adjustment.
The MCAs’ demands come at a time when the cost of living in Kenya continues to rise, making their current salaries insufficient to meet their needs. Embu Nominated MCA Yvonne Mati stated, “Tunalipwa mishahara kidogo and we do the donkey’s work,” emphasizing the disparity between their earnings and the heavy workload they handle. Nairobi County Assembly Majority Leader Peter Imwatok echoed this sentiment, saying, “The margin of our salaries should be at par with MPs in the National Assembly. For instance, we are paid Ksh.80,000, we want to be paid Ksh.560,000, which is what Governors earn. MPs’ salaries are also at the same level as Ministers.”
The MCAs’ push for a 700% salary increase is not just about personal gain but also about ensuring they can effectively carry out their oversight roles. Busia Nominated MCA Concepta Omondi added, “We are paid poorly yet we take all the mwananchi burden,” highlighting the challenges they face in serving their constituents. Migori County Assembly Majority Leader Jared Ouma further emphasized this point, stating, “MPs are getting 35% of the President’s salary and MCAs 10 percent of Governor…how do you expect oversight to be done? We are paid like cleaners.”
The Current Salary Structure for MCAs
According to a gazette notice released on August 9, 2023, the monthly remuneration for State officers in the County Assembly for the financial year 2023/2024, effective July 1, 2023, is structured as follows: A Member of the County Assembly earns a basic salary of Ksh.92,689, complemented by a house allowance of Ksh.50,000. This brings their gross salary to Ksh.154,481, following a recent salary adjustment of Ksh.11,792.
In addition to their basic salary and house allowance, MCAs also receive a committee sitting allowance of Ksh.3,900 per session, capped at a maximum of Ksh.62,400 per month. Despite these allowances, the MCAs argue that their overall compensation is insufficient to meet the demands of their roles. Ngara MCA Chege Mwaura stated, “We are not asking to be favored, but to have the scale and rationale used at the national level to be affected.”
The MCAs’ demands are not limited to salary increases. They are also pushing for full financial autonomy from the County Executive, arguing that this is essential for effective oversight. Embu Nominated MCA Yvonne Mati emphasized, “We cannot effect oversight if the same County Executive is your salary remitter…kindly let us be autonomous, take us to job group E1.” This call for independence is seen as a critical step in ensuring that MCAs can hold the County Executive accountable without fear of retaliation.
Push for Financial Autonomy and Ward Development Fund
The MCAs’ demands extend beyond salary increases and financial autonomy. They are also advocating for the swift implementation of the Ward Development Fund, which they believe is essential for effective service delivery and oversight. The Ward Development Fund is designed to ensure that resources are allocated and utilized efficiently at the grassroots level, addressing the unique needs of each ward.
The MCAs argue that the current system, which relies heavily on the County Executive for resource allocation, is flawed and often leads to inefficiencies. By pushing for the implementation of the Ward Development Fund, they hope to create a more transparent and accountable system that prioritizes the needs of their constituents. This fund would empower MCAs to directly oversee development projects in their wards, ensuring that resources are used effectively and efficiently.
The MCAs’ demands have set the stage for a potential standoff with the Salaries and Remuneration Commission and other stakeholders. Their push for a 700% salary increase, financial autonomy, and the Ward Development Fund implementation highlights the challenges County Assembly members face in fulfilling their roles effectively. As they continue to push for these changes, the outcome of their efforts will have far-reaching implications for governance and service delivery at the county level.
Public Reaction and Feasibility Concerns
The MCAs’ demand for a 700% salary increase has elicited mixed reactions from the public. While some sympathize with their plight, others question the feasibility of such a significant adjustment. Critics argue that the current economic climate in Kenya, characterized by high inflation and a growing national debt, makes it difficult to justify such a substantial pay rise.
However, the MCAs remain steadfast in their demands, arguing that their current salaries are inadequate for their work. They point to the disparity between their earnings and those of other government officials, such as MPs and Governors, as evidence of the need for a salary adjustment. The MCAs also argue that better pay and financial autonomy are essential for attracting and retaining qualified individuals to serve in County Assemblies.
