Low-Income MCAs: Malala Reveals Rental Struggle on Ksh 86K Salary
Cleophas Malala, the Secretary-General of the United Democratic Alliance (UDA), has requested that the Salaries and Remuneration Commission (SRC) increase the salaries of Members of the County Assembly (MCAs).
In an interview with Spice FM on Wednesday, July 5, the former senator from Kakamega stated that county legislators are facing difficulties due to their inadequate salaries.
Malala stated that the majority of MCAs face financial constraints and cannot even afford decent housing, as some squat in inexpensive bedsitters costing between Ksh5,000 and Ksh10,000.
With an average net salary of Ksh86,000, he argued, county legislators were doomed to a life of destitution.
I feel sorry for MCAs because they do not receive a sitting allowance. I also feel sorry for them because their compensation is inadequate. “Not everyone will agree with me, but an MCA is a Kenyan elected official,” he stated.
“The level at which we have placed them does not allow them to perform their duties with sufficient concentration. Imagine an MCA earning approximately Ksh86,000 after deductions, but only Ksh50,000 after deducting car loans.
In a breakdown, the SG stated that the MCAs are susceptible to influence by governors who, due to low pay, want the legislators to pass bills in their favor.
“He will be unable to fulfill his responsibilities because Ksh86,000 is insufficient to rent a home near the county assembly. If so, it is not a respectable home. Imagine an MCA traveling from Naivasha to Nakuru and back for a session because they cannot afford to rent an additional residence.
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“Therefore, he will be compelled to move into an informal settlement and pay between Ksh5,000 and Ksh10,000 for a bedsitter. He will lack the confidence to independently legislate. “They will be susceptible to influence in their decision-making when, for instance, a governor offers them a trip to Dubai if they pass a bill,” he emphasized.
Malala, a former member of the first Kakamega County assembly and later a senator, requested a salary review from the commission.
During the two-hour radio show, Malala defended President William Ruto’s decision to allow him and three other advisors to attend Cabinet meetings, arguing that he advises the head of state on crucial economic issues.
“President Ruto has the authority to allow his advisors to attend Cabinet meetings if it is in the best interests of the people. As UDA SG, I attend Cabinet meetings. “UDA pays me, not the government,” he said.
An MCA’s Salary
The gross salary of a Kenyan MCA is Ksh144,376, which consists of a basic salary of Ksh86,625, a house allowance of Ksh45,000, and a salary market adjustment of Ksh12,750.
In November of last year, the salaries body decreased the current salary from Ksh165,000. Legislators have demanded better perks and have threatened to halt assembly activities until their demands are satisfied.
Low-Income MCAs: Malala Reveals Rental Struggle on Ksh 86K Salary
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