Some of the former councillors who met at the Safaricom Stadium in Kasarani, Nairobi, on September 15, 2015 where they resolved to push for a Sh1.5 million pension for each of them, among other benefits. The former civic leaders have described as a deserved win a petition tabled before the Senate for a Sh18 billion send-off package. PHOTO | SALATON NJAU | NATION MEDIA GROUP
According to Mr Hezron Kirimi, the chairman of the National Councillors of Kenya Forum, county governments were reaping revenue from the systems and institutions that the now defunct councils had established, licensed or regulated at the grassroots.
These include markets, parking lots and all other revenue sources that are benefiting the county governments. He said councillors had not been recognised for this contribution.
The petition presented to Prof Lonyangapuo listed five specific demands: A Sh1.5 million one-off payment for each former councillor, Sh30,000 pension a month and a medical insurance scheme for each and their families.
Over 12,000 former councillors are demanding a one-off gratuity payment that will cost taxpayers Sh18 billion if approved by the Senate.
They also want to be paid a Sh30,000 monthly pension, which could cost a further Sh4.3 billion a year.
