The outgoing members’ tenure in the 12th Parliament comes to an end on August 8, just before the elections, and taxpayers will have to spend Ksh2.2 billion to compensate them.
On Thursday, June 9, sixty days before Kenya’s presidential elections, the parliament adjourns sine die.
According to a report by the Parliamentary Pensions Scheme, each MP and Senator will get a minimum of Ksh5 million as a parting gift.
According to the article, one-term legislators will receive Ksh 5.8 million each, while those who have served more than one term will be eligible for a full pension of Ksh 7.8 million.
The Parliamentary Service Commission (PSC) launched a pension scheme in 1986 that covers members’ savings at a rate of 15% percent.
Only 12 of the 416 legislators have served more than one term and are eligible for the entire pension fund. The 12 will receive a pension of Ksh7.8 million plus a monthly income of Ksh180,000 for the rest of their lives.
Senators George Khaniri (Vihiga), Moses Wetangula (Bungoma), Kipchumba Murkomen (Elgeyo Marakwet), Prof Kindiki Kithure (Tharaka Nithi), Prof Sam Ongeri (Kisii), and James Orengo are among those who are eligible for this package (Siaya).
Among the others are MPs Jimmy Angwenyi (Kitutu Chache North), Adan Keynan (Eldas), Gideon Konchella (Kilgoris), Wafula Wamunyinyi (Kanduyi), Maoka Maore (Igembe North), Samwel Muoroto (Kapenguria), Dr Naomi Shaban (Taveta), Katoo ole Metito (Kajia
Former Presidents Daniel Arap Moi and Mwai Kibaki are also included in the pension plan.
The MPs’ farewell gifts arrive at a time when the government is trying to keep up with rising salary costs, which have tripled in the last ten years.
MP Keynan, on the other hand, justified the MPs’ send-off packages, claiming that they are deserved it because of the nature of their employment, which is fraught with pressure and expectation.
“There are two parts to politics: pressure and pleasure, and you must achieve a balance between the two.” As stated by the Daily Nation, “expectations are always high, and you must be approachable to the people who sent you to represent them in Parliament.”
