[SRC chair Sarah Serem in a past event. he has dismissed compensation that could benefit former councilors in a section of counties. Photo/Standard.co.ke]
The Salaries and Remuneration Commission (SRC) chair Ms Sarah Serem has opposed a move by a section of counties paying councilors huge pension.
Ms Serem said that the pension proposals were unconstitutional and would encourage the trend to go on amongst public officials.
Recently Kisii and Nyamira counties awarded former civic leaders plus the seating leaders a huge sendoff package for their first term in office.
“Such heavy sendoff packages are even against the constitution, they will only encourage other public officials to copy from the same which will affect the economy,” she said.
In the bill that Governor Ongwae refused to asset to law, he could have received Sh 10 million and his deputy get Sh 8 million as gratuity.
In Nyamira County, the bill that is awaiting the governor’s asset civic leaders were awarded Sh 1 million each plus a Sh 15,000 monthly stipend.
It will also set retirement packages for MCAs who will lose in the next general elections.
“It is only the commission that is required to set salaries and benefits for state officers and not any other person,” she said.
Recently, the National assembly approved a Sh 3.3 billion for a sendoff of the current lawmakers. In addition it also approved pension plan for former legislatures who served in the past and would cost taxpayers billions.