Sh60m for MP’s vehicle is modest

Sep 27, 2006

THERE has been an uproar from the public concerning MPs’ demand for sh60m to buy vehicles. Before we complain about the MPs’ car and other demands, there is need to study what other parliaments especially in Kenya and Tanzania give to their MPs.

Edward Sekandi

THERE has been an uproar from the public concerning MPs’ demand for sh60m to buy vehicles. Before we complain about the MPs’ car and other demands, there is need to study what other parliaments especially in Kenya and Tanzania give to their MPs.

The Kenyan government contributes about Ksh3.3m (about Ug sh82m) and Tanzania gives hers TZsh20m (about Ug sh28m). The two governments even cater for taxes on the vehicles except VAT. This is in addition to 500 litres of fuel given to MPs.

As we move towards the East African Community, there is need to be the same. In our case, even sh60m is very little to purchase a good vehicle to facilitate the MPs who have to travel to their constituencies to do their work. The proposed sh60m is not the final figure. The Parliamentary Commission, of which I am the chairperson, is still debating the issue and is yet to come up with the exact figures. We are still consulting with other organs of the state to see how much is appropriate.

Secondly, sh60m is not for buying a brand new vehicle but the reconditioned 2000 model from Dubai. We could reduce the amount and purchase very old cars but because the government has a policy that prohibits the importation of second hand vehicles, the argument was ‘don’t buy the ones that are too old or too new’. To avoid this, we had to go for at least reconditioned vehicles which are not too old. The government cannot afford to purchase brand new vehicles for MPs because they are too expensive. I insist that the MPs are surely modest in their demand.

The issue of giving cars to MPs is not a new thing. The government has been providing cars to MPs since NRC when it purchased Pickup trucks for MPs. In the 6th Parliament, the government contributed sh18m but later changed to sh20m in the 7th Parliament. Since then, things have changed including prices and we have resorted to second hand cars. People should appreciate such a demand, otherwise MPs would be asking for brand new cars.

The argument that how can MPs start demanding for cars before Parliament (building) is extended does not work. I cannot say that if I have not eaten, I should not dress. Government has already budgeted for Parliament. Even those MPs who are opposing the car scheme are just being two sided. They want publicity. But as Speaker, when they bring their argument I will listen to their side of the story.

I know there is no guarantee that the MPs will purchase a vehicle worth that amount. To monitor whether one has bought a sh30m or sh60m vehicle is not my work. My work is to make sure that they are facilitated equally to move to their constituencies to do their work. Some might even prefer to save some of the money, which is their choice. It’s like sending some one to town and he decides to walk there and save the transport money. What you have to ask such a person is, has he reached town and did what you sent him for?

Some people think we are extravagant MPs but considering what we do, we are not. Demands that are supposed to be met by the local government authorities are put on us. People in the villages put on us a lot of demands.

What MPs get as allowances
  • Vehicle maintenance/servicing and license – sh600,000

  • Travel to constituency/driver’s pay – sh300,000

  • Telephone costs to coordinate constituency work – sh800, 000

  • Office hire in the constituency – sh100, 000

  • Office attendant in the constituency – sh200,000

  • Stationary/postage – sh200, 000

  • Fuel – sh900,000

  • Constituency responsibilities such as social functions, fundraisings, etc – sh1.5m
    This totals to about 75% of the MP’s total monthly package.


  • We have not made many demands from government apart from the salary issue. This was long overdue. We have not had a salary increment since Mayanja Nkangi was finance minister. That was in the 6th Parliament. We are now in the 8th Parliament.

    The writer is the
    Speaker of Parliament

    As told to Mary Karugaba

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