Lawmakers in new push to increase mileage allowance rates

A National Assembly Committee is pushing to have Members’ claims on mileage pushed to include other days besides official sitting days.

Select Committee on Facilities and Members welfare argue that the mileage should be reviewed and calculated based on distance and not days.

MPs sit three days a week including Tuesday afternoon, Wednesday morning and afternoon and Thursday afternoon.

Committee also wants the Parliamentary Service Commission (PSC) to engage Salaries and Remuneration Commission (SRC) to agree on how to rationalise mileage reimbursement for the MPs in Nairobi and its environment within 90 days.

The committee noted that its decision is based on the fact that they were informed that there is no policy on the “cut-off day”.

In addition, they were also informed that Members were only eligible for mileage on proof that no other emoluments including accommodation or per diem were accorded to them.

“The Parliamentary Service Commission should engage Salaries and Remuneration Commission on how to rationalise mileage reimbursement for MPs within 90 days. PSC should also engage SRC on how to rationalise mileage reimbursement for MPs in Nairobi and its environments within 90 days,” the report.

Decision came after the Director of Finance and Accounting Services Irungu Kagundu, who appeared before it told Members that on the mileage in Nairobi and its environs, SRC issued a circular on the rates payable for 0-350 kms even though Members stressed a need for a sit down between SRC and PSC to negotiate on the mileage administration in Nairobi and its environs.

In July last year, SRC abolished sitting and mileage allowances for MPs with effect from August 9.
SRC chairperson Lynn Mengich (pictured) then pointed out that the mileage allowances which include car grants for all State officers has been removed.

“Sitting allowance for plenary sessions in Parliament and County Assemblies is abolished and ceases to be payable. Transport facilitation benefits in the form of car grants for State officers is abolished and ceases to be payable,” she stated.

But in September National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang’ula during an induction workshop for newly elected MPs assured Members that their car allowances, mileage reimbursements, mortgage, and other benefits would remain intact.