President Kenyatta has today said that he will not assent to the Parliamentary Service Bill 2018, which proposes more benefits for MPs.
The President said that leaders should be more concerned about changing the lives of their constituents, rather than enriching themselves.
“As leaders, we should not be more concerned about how to bring more wealth to ourselves, but should instead prioritize the needs of our people. Every leader has a responsibility to uplift the lives of the millions of Kenyans who look up to us as their leaders & representatives.” he said
These statements come when Kenyatta was addressing Kiambu residents after he made a stop over at Wangige Trading Center, Kiambu County. Kenyatta publicly assured citizens that he will not side with the Members of Parliament on this matter.
The President also pledged to continue implementing more development projects that benefit the common mwananchi, as well as push for policies that protect SMEs to ensure they benefit from their trade.
From reports by the nation, The Justice and Legal Affairs Committee of the National Assembly was under pressure to explain sneaking in a clause in the Public Service Bill that caters for members well-being without subjecting it to public participation as required in law.
The clause introduced an enhanced medical cover, car grants, car loans, Government houses while still being able to access housing allowances among other many benefits.
Kenyans had reacted to this proposal saying that this is more than greed from the leaders. Members of parliament never seem to be content and will always want more. That is the perception that Kenyans have in regard to the proposal.
The irony is that Kenyans MPs are said to be among the well paid as compared to other parts of the globe.
One of the youthful MPs who was against this Bill is Babu Owino who had said that it does not make sense for leaders to own big cars yet the roads they will be driving through are in a bad state.
“Our people are yearning for more development that benefits them directly, solutions that will help them progress.We must stop politicking everyday & come together as leaders to build our nation & to ensure we deliver to our people that which we promised them when they elected us.”
Kenyatta’s statement is a big blow for the Members of Parliament as their proposal has been rejected.
President @UKenyatta has said he will not assent to the Parliamentary Service Bill 2018, which proposes more benefits for MPs. The President stated that elected leaders should be more concerned about changing the lives of their constituents, rather than enriching themselves. pic.twitter.com/a7le82ySBU
— State House Kenya (@StateHouseKenya) December 5, 2018