Ward representatives Friday while condemning the killing of the Kakamega MCA said they are underfunded, undervalued, and underappreciated.
Kisa East MCA Stephen Maloba died early this month after he was viciously attacked and stabbed as he headed to a meeting convened by Khwisero MP Christopher Aseka.
They claimed that lack of proper representation of their interests has seen them receive inadequate salaries considering the prevailing economic conditions compared to counterparts in the national government.
MCA takes to earn a basic salary of Sh86, 000, an Sh45, 000 house allowance with a gross salary of Sh144, 375.
The county lawmakers have revealed that they cannot effectively oversight governors who earn millions while they have big titles but earn salaries lower than deputy directors in county governments.
“The ward representatives are also not entitled to a pension, even after serving two terms in office,” they said.
“This is unacceptable and perpetuates inequity of elected officials in Kenya.”
MCA also decried inadequate funding of their offices’ operations.
“To address their plight, MCAs are calling for the formation of a County Assemblies Service Commission that will evaluate their issues, including the slashing of their salaries and the double taxation, and recommend better to the SRC.”
According to them, the commission will be tasked with ensuring that MCAs are treated fairly and that their interests are represented.
They called upon their colleagues to join hands and support the course.
