NAIROBI, Kenya Aug 26 – Staff working in constituency and county offices could soon have their contracts reduced from five years to one year under new regulations adopted by a parliamentary committee.
The National Assembly’s Committee on Delegated Legislation has approved the proposed changes by the Parliamentary Service Commission.
The one-year renewable contracts are intended to give MPs greater flexibility in managing their offices and personnel.
Committee chair Samuel Chepkonga defended the change, saying MPs should have authority over their own staff and that employees who fail to honour their contractual obligations should not expect automatic renewal.
The proposed regulations also introduce safeguards against MPs being held personally liable for labour disputes involving their offices.
The New regulations governing constituency and county offices could also prevent incoming Members of Parliament from inheriting unpaid liabilities from previous office administrations.
Instead, financial awards arising from wrongful dismissal cases would be paid from the relevant constituency or county office allocation.
The regulations also tackle a long-standing grievance over personal liability in labour disputes. Previously, court awards arising from wrongful dismissal claims could result in an MP’s personal salary being attached.
Mathare MP Anthony Olouch recalled an ordeal where his salary was attached.
“ I jumped from the third floor where I was to the bank and closed that account to take the money elsewhere so that it is not seized.”
The reforms are the first major review of the regulations since 2005.
