Kenya MPs are paid for nothing. Many who are paid over £63,000 a year did not utter a single word in the House of Parliament throughout the year
Representatives of the National Assembly of Kenya are among the highest paid parliamentarians in the world, but many MPs and Senators have not uttered one word since before the beginning of this parliaments third session. According to the Annual Parliamentary Scorecard for the Third Session of the 12th Parliament, over 21 parliamentarians, 19 from the National Assembly with two being from the Senate did not utter a single word on the floor of the August House. Also, male legislators dominate the list.
MPs who have never uttered a word at the Plenary include Nakuru Town West MP Samuel Arama and his Kapseret counterpart, Oscar Sudi, who while being vocal in other matters outside the August House, has been unable to find the words inside parliament as legislators debate serious issues concerning their constituents, despite being paid over £63,000 a year (excluding expenses and remuneration benefits).
Kenya MPs keep mute in the house of parliament
A list of additional MPs who have suddenly become mute and are currently facing public shaming by their constituents include Abdi Tepo (Isiolo South), Abdi Shurie (Balambala), Ahmed Gaal (Tarbaj), Johnson Naicca (Mumias West), Amin Deddy (Laikipia East), Geoffrey Kingagi (Mbeere South), James Gakuya (Embakasi North), George Aladwa (Makadara) and John Owino (Awendo). The rest are Stanley Muthama (Lamu West), Gideon Konchella (Kilgoris), Justus Kizito (Shinyalu), Alfred Sambu (Webuye East), and James Mukwe (Kabuchai). The only women who were unable to vocalise any interest in their constituents were Rose Museo (Makueni), Beatrice Kones (Bomet East), and Amina Gedow (Mandera) in the House.
The scorecard, released annually, aims at enhancing transparency and accountability and is based on members’ contributions in Plenary as captured in the Hansard.
“Every so often, we get queries from members about the performance of their MPs. The scorecard is therefore a way of enforcing the social contract between MPs and the electorate, as they exercise delegated authority on behalf of the citizens,” said Mzalendo Trust Executive Director, Caroline Gaita.