Members of Parliament were in January 2023 treated to a luxurious induction retreat, in which the legislators were accorded plum allowances despite Kenya's struggling economy.
In the package of allowances, the 349-strong National Assembly members received Ksh18,200 as daily per diem, Ksh24,096 for daily accommodation and a Ksh25,740 return ticket.
As part of arrangements for the induction, Kenyan taxpayers shouldered the MPs' flight, accommodation, food, entertainment and pocket allowances.
That was despite the fact that they boycotted the induction workshop in order to protest delays in the disbursement of Constituency Development Funds (NG-CDF).
The Members of Parliament who got a marginal pay rise in the latest remuneration and benefits for state officers in the executive and legislative arms of government enjoyed a daily allowance of Ksh68,036 - inclusive air ticket.
It means that each Member of Parliament is likely to carry home around Ksh211,480 for the five days that they will be meeting in Mombasa.
The National Assembly members will spend at least Ksh82,789,780 in allowances (cost of air tickets included).
The Members of Parliament spent a total of Ksh8,983,260 in air tickets, Ksh6,351,800 in daily per diem and Ksh8,409,504 in daily accommodations.
On Friday, July 29, 2022, Salaries and Remuneration Commission gazetted new monthly salaries and allowances for the financial years 2022/23 to 2024/25.
“The input was analysed and considered while revising the proposed remuneration and benefit structures,” SRC Chairperson Lyn Mengich explained.
The notice that took effect on August 9, 2022, outlined that although the MPs’ basic monthly pay was reduced from Ksh532,500 to Ksh426,000 with their plenary sitting allowance of Ksh5,000 abolished, they were awarded Ksh150,000 in house allowance.
SRC salary restructure for MPs redefined Ksh710,000 monthly gross salary, but minus committee sitting allowances and mileage claims.
At the same time, the gross pay for an MP was capped at Ksh426,000 basic pay, Ksh150,000 house allowance and Ksh134,000 in salary market adjustment.
It's important to note that Members of Parliament are equally taxed just like any other Kenyan.
