Why Salaries For MPs, Senators Could Be Reviewed

Katiba Institute (KI) has formally written to the Salaries and Remuneration Commission (SRC) and the Parliamentary Service Commission (PSC), demanding detailed information on the employment terms, salaries, and benefits of Senators and Members of the National Assembly.

The request, made under Article 35 of the Constitution and the Access to Information Act (Cap 7 M, Laws of Kenya), aims to promote transparency and accountability in the management of public funds.

"Katiba Institute (KI) has written to the Salaries and Remuneration Commission (SRC) and the Parliamentary Service Commission (PSC) seeking information concerning the terms of employment for Senators and Members of the National Assembly.

SRC commissioners facing the National Assembly’s Departmental Committee on Labour on March 6, 2025. /SRC

"This request is under Article 35 of the Constitution and the Access to Information Act Cap: 7 M, Laws of Kenya," a statement from the organisation read.

In a letter dated March 30, 2025, KI asked the SRC to disclose whether it has conducted comparative labour market surveys to inform the salary scales of parliamentary state officers, as mandated under Section 11 of the SRC Act.

The Institute also sought details on any recommendations made by the SRC to the PSC on MPs’ salaries and remuneration since 2011.

Additionally, KI requested confirmation on whether legislators serve on a full-time or part-time basis — a question that has long sparked debate over workload versus compensation.

The Institute further asked for copies of all documentation exchanged between SRC and PSC concerning MPs’ pay and benefits, including any specific guidelines for part-time service and criteria for earning sitting allowances.

Simultaneously, Katiba Institute sent a separate letter to the PSC seeking access to MPs’ employment contracts. The Institute is pushing for the release of full details on terms of service, salary structures, allowances, and benefits provided to both Senators and National Assembly members.

KI also wants the PSC to provide a copy of its internal regulations or guidelines relating to MPs’ service terms, pensions, and retirement packages.

The Institute further requested clarity on how many times the PSC has reviewed MPs' terms since 2011 and asked for copies of all documents reflecting those changes.

This move comes amid growing public concern about the ballooning cost of maintaining Parliament, perceived excesses in legislators’ benefits, and the lack of clarity over whether MPs are full-time public servants.

Katiba Institute says the requested information is key to ensuring compliance with constitutional standards of transparency, fair remuneration, and responsible public finance management.

Debate over the salaries of Members of Parliament and Senators has long sparked public outcry, with many Kenyans questioning the hefty perks afforded to elected leaders. In 2024, a proposed salary hike for lawmakers triggered backlash, with critics slamming both the timing and justification for the increase.

More recently, reports indicated that MPs and Senators would receive a fresh pay rise starting April 1, along with a standardized monthly mileage allowance.

This adjustment means that the 416 legislators in both the National Assembly and Senate will cost Kenyan taxpayers approximately Ksh 4.4 billion between April 1 and the next general election.

In a letter to the PSC, SRC Secretary and CEO Anne Gitau confirmed that the salary adjustments were approved during a commission meeting held on March 20, 2025, following a formal request.