MPs' Push for Increased Allowances Angers President Kenyatta

President Kenyatta has slammed Members of Parliament over their planned push for "better terms of service" in a new Bill.

The Parliamentary Service Bill 2018 proposes that MPs be entitled to government vehicles, rent-free houses, enhanced medical insurances that cover their extended families as well as improved travel allowances.

“To enable the members discharge their responsibilities effectively and efficient functioning of parliament, these services and facilities shall be provided in such a manner and such rates as the commission may determine from time to time taking into account the rate applicable for other state officers,” the Bill states.

President Kenyatta has chided MPs over their push for increased benefits and privileges, terming the bill unacceptable, especially at a period when the country is experiencing hard economic times.

"Mwananchi angekua ametajirika, hatungekua na shida kama mungelipwa ata milioni. Lakini sasa wakenya hawana hata chakula na wewe unataka kuongeza mshahara!"

"Mimi sitaki vita na mtu yeyote lakini kuna mambo lazima tujadiliane," Kenyatta said in Swahili while speaking in Mombasa on Monday.

MPs also want to amend the law to give the Parliamentary Service Commission (PSC) the sole mandate of deciding their salaries. MPs' pay is currently determined by the Salaries and Remuneration Commission (SRC).

 “The employees of the commission shall be paid such remuneration and allowances as shall be determined by the commission," the Bill states.

“The terms and conditions of employees of the commission shall be reviewed every three years or within such a shorter period as the commission may determine.”