MCAs Protest Wage Disparity, Call For Urgent Action

Members of County Assemblies (MCAs) across the country have warned that they will paralyse operations at county assemblies and march to the State House on Monday if their demands are not met. Speaking at the inaugural County Assemblies Forum held at the Kenyatta International Convention Centre (KICC) in Nairobi on Wednesday, February 19, 2025, MCAs detailed a series of grievances over financial hardships that hinder their ability to execute their mandate effectively.

Makueni MCA Kalunda Wa Kalunda stressed, “If these demands are not met, we have no option but to paralyse all assemblies starting Monday.” The forum provided a platform for representatives from various counties to air their frustrations about insufficient salaries and the lack of a designated development kitty. Many MCAs claimed that, despite their critical role in overseeing Governors, their compensation does not reflect their responsibilities.

Naivasha East MCA Stanley Karanja highlighted the stark wage disparity, stating, “MCAs are told to oversee a Governor earning a million, while we are paid only Ksh86,000.” Such comments underline the financial strain experienced by local representatives who find themselves increasingly marginalized. Kwale MCA Hanifa Mwajirani also expressed concern, emphasizing that MCAs serve as the first point of contact for community issues, a role often overlooked by other elected officials.

Supporting the protest, Nairobi County Senator Edwin Sifuna, the chief guest at the event, noted the importance of MCAs in addressing local challenges. “When a child is sent home for school fees, the first door they knock on is the MCA’s,” he said, contrasting their proximity to constituents with other leaders stationed in Nairobi.

The planned protest comes ahead of a meeting with the President scheduled for next month during the County Assemblies Forum summit. Tensions escalated at the forum, with clashes between Kakamega and Nairobi MCAs requiring intervention by Senator Sifuna.