The fight for the control of the National Assembly is set to intensify with President-elect William Ruto and Azimio Raila Odinga keen on dominating House leadership.
Of interest is the Speaker's position, which has attracted political bigwigs including Bungoma senator-elect Moses Wetangula and Wiper leader Kalonzo Musyoka.
Should Kenya Kwanza, which is flexing its numerical muscles, front Wetangula, the politician will have to relinquish his senatorial seat and he is poised to be the third in command, according to the country's hierarchy of power.
Apart from the massive power that the FORD-Kenya leader will wield, he will also be among the best-paid state officers, behind the Head of State and his deputy. Here is a sneak peek of the speaker's enviable perks.
The Speaker of the National Assembly enjoys a monthly pay of Ksh1,160,000 while the deputy takes home Ksh924,000.
Besides the monthly pay, the role of National Assembly, third most powerful office in the country comes with annual allowances and hefty benefits attached to it.
Should Wetangula get the seat, he would be entitled to to Parliamentary Responsibility Allowance of Ksh3.6 million, Extraneous Duty allowance of Ksh1.4 million and entertainment allowance of Ksh1.4 million. This is according to National Assembly Remuneration Act, Chapter 5.
On the other hand, the Salaries and Remuneration Commission (SRC) states that Speaker of the National Assembly enjoys an airtime allowance of up to Ksh25,000 per month. Members of Parliaments are entitled to Ksh15,000 airtime monthly.
Wetangula shall also be entitled to Special Responsibility Allowance of up to a maximum of Ksh150,000 with added responsibilities over and above the duties stipulated in the terms of service for which a regular salary is paid.
According to the National Assembly Remuneration Act, Chapter 5, the Speaker shall be entitled to travel business class in the case of air travel and in the case of railway, the he shall be entitled to travel first class.
He will be provided with Motor Vehicle Reimbursement of Ksh7,550,000 for official car based on engine capacity not exceeding 3000cc to undertake official duties. The Motor Vehicle Reimbursement is payable once in a parliamentary term and is inclusive of all taxes
For the medical benefit for self, spouse and up to four children shall be entitled to inpatient (Ksh10 million), outpatient (Ksh 300,000) maternity (Ksh150,000) dental (Ksh100,000) and optical (Ksh100,000).
A motor vehicle purchase allowance at Ksh3.3 million will be payable once during the Parliamentary term of five years. A car maintenance allowance in respect of motor vehicle purchased and pursuant to the amount used at the rate of Ksh900,000 per year.
The Speaker is not entitled to house allowance because the government provides an official residence at Nairobi’s upmarket Runda estate leased by the Parliamentary Service Commission (PSC).
The office bearer further enjoys medical cover for self, spouses and children of up to Ksh20 million annually and mortgages of up to Ksh20 million.
Should the speaker loose the job, s/he shall receive a severance allowance at the rate of 31 per cent of monthly salary for every year of service. He will be entitled to a gratuity, at the rate of 20 per cent of salary received.
According to National Assembly Act, all allowances payable are exempt from income tax notwithstanding the provisions of any other written law relating to income tax.
The Speaker presides over debates in the House and quite seldom, in the committee of the whole House.
He is the spokesperson of the House and as the representative of the House, he communicates with other arms of the government , independent offices and constitutional commissions and ministries, departments, and agencies.
According to Parliament, the Speaker has the authority to remain politically impartial at all times.
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