Shocker! MPs to Pocket Billions in ‘Free’ Mileage Cash — Even Nairobi MPs Get Paid for Short Walks!
All Members of Parliament (MPs) and Senators in Kenya will now receive a fixed mileage allowance of Sh366,011 per month, including those who live and work in Nairobi.
The Salaries and Remuneration Commission (SRC) approved this allowance after pressure from lawmakers. This new decision will cost taxpayers over Sh152 million per month or Sh1.82 billion per year.
What Is the New Mileage Allowance?
The SRC confirmed that all 416 MPs and senators will receive the fixed mileage allowance starting April 1, 2025.
MPs who represent constituencies more than 205 kilometers from Nairobi will also get extra pay. They will receive Sh152.6 per kilometer for every kilometer traveled beyond the 205 km radius.
Why Kenyans Are Concerned
This news comes at a time when many Kenyans are struggling with:
- High taxes
- Cost of living crisis
- Public debt
Taxpayers will now have to pay millions of shillings to MPs who may not even travel long distances.
There is growing concern that this decision will cause public outrage, especially because many Nairobi MPs live close to Parliament but will still receive the same amount as those from far-flung areas.
Auditor General Exposes Fake Mileage Claims
A recent report by Auditor General Nancy Gathungu revealed that many MPs might be making fake mileage claims.
According to the audit:
- MPs only fill out a simple form to claim mileage.
- There is no proof that they actually traveled.
- Parliament has paid out millions of shillings without proper checks.
This loophole may have already cost the country hundreds of millions of shillings.
Extra Allowances for MPs
Apart from the mileage allowance, MPs are entitled to several other benefits:
✅ Car Maintenance Allowance: Sh356,525 per month
✅ Gross Salary: Sh725,502 per month
✅ Committee Sitting Allowance: Up to Sh120,000 per month
✅ Special Duty Allowance: Up to Sh150,000 per month
✅ Medical Cover: Inpatient – Sh10 million, Outpatient – Sh300,000, Dental & Optical – Sh100,000 each
✅ Mortgage: Up to Sh35 million at 3% interest
✅ Travel & Subsistence Allowance
✅ Airtime Allowance: Sh15,000 per month
✅ Security Personnel paid by taxpayers
In total, an MP from a far county like Mandera could earn up to Sh2.4 million per month.
Why This Matters
Many Kenyans online have raised questions about these allowances at a time when the government is:
- Increasing taxes
- Cutting public services
- Asking citizens to tighten their belts
The SRC decision may trigger national debate over how public funds are being spent and whether MPs are getting unfair benefits
Shocker! MPs to Pocket Billions in ‘Free’ Mileage Cash — Even Nairobi MPs Get Paid for Short Walks!
