Nominated Members of the Nairobi County Assembly(MCA) are set to get improved perks, new offices and personal assistants.
According to Nairobi Assembly Majority Leader Abdi Guyo, the 39 nominated ward reps will enjoy the new privileges in the next financial year.
“Even the nominated members need equal treatment with their elected colleagues for them to perform their oversight, legislative and representative roles, they need personal assistants to assist with research as well as new offices to operate from, just like their elected counterparts,” said Mr Guyo.
He noted that the finances for the exercise was set aside for the next county budget.
The Matopeni MCA was responding after South B ward representative Chege Waithera said her nominated colleagues’ performance has been negatively affected by a lack of offices.
“This is against a Salaries and Remuneration Commission circular on the same so I am urging the leadership to ensure they have permanent structures,” said Ms Waithera, who is the assembly’s Majority Chief Whip.
Meanwhile, Sonko’s administration has allocated Sh400 million for the construction of new offices for elected MCAs only.
This is enshrined in the County’s Annual Development Plan (CADP) for the year 2019/20.
The construction of office blocks is set to begin this year with the county government expected to spend Sh100 million on furniture and computers.
The new offices for elected ward reps will be located at the parking space between City Hall Way and Taifa Road.
The CADP report indicates that only 53 wards out of 85 in the city have offices, which are rented spaces. The offices in the other 32 wards are in a poor condition.
