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Deadlock in counties as MCAs dig in over pay

The County Assembly's Forum Chairman Abdi Nuh told the media on Tuesday that their salaries should not be determined after a job evaluation, noting that all other State officers have not undergone the same exercise/JOSEPH MURAYA

The County Assembly’s Forum Chairman Abdi Nuh told the media on Tuesday that their salaries should not be determined after a job evaluation, noting that all other State officers have not undergone the same exercise/JOSEPH MURAYA

NAIROBI, Kenya, Nov 5 – Members of the County Assemblies (MCAs) have vowed to continue boycotting work until their demands are resolved by the Salaries and Remuneration Commission.

The MCAs are opposed to plans by the Sarah Serem-led commission to evaluate their jobs to determine if an adjustment of their pay is necessary.

The County Assembly’s Forum Chairman Abdi Nuh told the media on Tuesday that their salaries should not be determined after a job evaluation, noting that all other State officers have not undergone the same exercise.

“For any re-evaluation to be done, it can only be after the report of the previous purported evaluation is implemented,” he said.

“We have decided as County Assemblies that there shall be no job re-evaluation and resumption of the assemblies until those matters are resolved.”

Nuh however said they were ready to negotiate to ensure the matter is resolved.

“We want to protect devolution so that it can start at the right foot,” he stated.

They accused SRC chairperson Sarah Serem of not using an initial job evaluation report to determine their current salaries.

He also noted that they were fully committed to ensure devolution was successful in the country.

“Devolution is ourselves; without us, there is no devolution,” he pointed out.

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“It is our role to ensure laws passed are meant to help the citizens while in a comfortable environment.”

The members have complained of the high salaries paid to Governors saying they may use their financial muscle to interfere with the working of the assemblies.

“It’s a must that the Members of the County Assembly be well remunerated to avoid being used as rubber stamps,” he said.

Senate Committee on Devolution chairman Kipchumba Murkomen also said the Members of the County Assembly must be well remunerated for them to deliver quality services.

“We want to have a quick solution to this problem. As Kenyans we always have a solution to any problem; even this we shall find a solution,” he said.

He urged the SRC to avoid taking a hard-line position on the matter.

The Members of the County Assembly have been drawing a monthly salary of Sh79,200 but they also get allowances including a Sh3,000 allowance per sitting.

At the end of the day, they take home more than Sh200,000 per month.

They are advocating for a basic pay increase from Sh79,200 to Sh257,500 per month.

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The County Assembly Speakers want their pay increased to Sh512,800 from Sh225, 000 per month.

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