• Kenya has 416 legislators who feel they should get increased perks and benefits yet they are among Africa's best-paid parliamentarians. Just last week, a much-needed Gender Bill was not passed in the house for lack of a quorum and the vote was deferred to February 2019. However, on Thursday the 5th of December, legislators are expected to pass the Parliamentary Services Bill which passed through a second reading last week. Why such efficiency? It gives them ridiculous luxuries. However, the Kenyan President is having none of it.

    Uhuru Kenyatta has chided members of parliament for putting their self-interest ahead of the public interest. He said, "Kenyans are suffering yet when they read the newspaper, they find the MPs pushing for more money. I don’t want to fight with anyone, but these are things we need to talk about." 

    Speaking at Ndumberi Stadium in Kiambu County, Kenyatta pointed out that people are annoyed and tired of the legislators' behavior. In November, he also said while everyone wants the good life, leaders should make sure their people get the best. His exact words were, "Kenyans have no problem with you leaders increasing your salaries, but only if you would work on their situations first. Sadly, here you have a scenario of suffering Kenyans who, upon going through the local dailies, find that MPs, MCAs, and all other leaders have increased their salaries."

    Parliamentarians want a better bar, five-star chefs, enhanced medical cover for extended families, government cars and official residences. Kenyan legislators are the best paid in East Africa as it stands and Face2Face says they are ranked 3rd in the continent's best-paid lawmakers list.

    Header: Getty Images